Before running a virus scan, you will need to make sure that you have the most up-to-date virus definitions for your virus program. Software such as Norton Antivirus offer a service called LiveUpdate which will update any Symantec software on the machine, but for it to work you will need to subscribe to LiveUpdate for a certain fee per year. Other software, such as AVG Antivirus do not require you to pay for updates. Check with your individual software's documentation on updating virus definitions.
While most programs will constantly scan new files for viruses, they may not notice files that are already on the computer or not in use. Running a full system scan will check every file on the computer for viruses and remove them. Running a full system scan with up-to-date virus definitions is a good way to help keep viruses from doing damage to your or other computers.
If you are running Windows XP or Windows ME:
Windows XP and Windows ME have a function called System Restore that allows you to 'roll back' the computer to a prior date. It does this by periodically backing up your computer into restore points, and locking access to them. Many viruses can get caught in the System Restore, so you will need to disable to that effectively run any virus scans. To do this, follow these instructions.
To run a system scan with Norton Antivirus:
- Open the Norton Antivirus program.
- Click the 'LiveUpdate' button and run LiveUpdate.
- Once LiveUpdate is done, select 'Full System Scan', and then click 'Scan Now'
If you are running AVG Antivirus:
- Right-click on the AVG icon near the clock
- Click Run AVG Anti-virus?
- Click Run Complete Test?
If you do not have an Antivirus software already, there is a free one called AVG Antivirus.
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