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Computer Security
Overview |
Step 1: Get anti-virus software |
Step 2: Update your anti-virus software |
Step 3: Ensure that your computer is free of viruses
Step 4: Set up a firewall |
Step 5: Install operating system updates |
Step 6: Install Microsoft Office updates |
Step 7: Remove spyware |
Step 8: Finish |

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School of Pharmacy•

UCSF School of Pharmacy

Step 3: Ensure that your computer is free of viruses

Ensuring that your computer is free of viruses is a required step in ensuring computer security.

Is your computer free of viruses?

No or
Not Sure

Run a full scan of all your hard drives using your anti-virus software. If it finds any viruses, the software will attempt to quarantine or disinfect the infected files. This process could take an hour or longer depending on how many files are stored on your computer.

  1. No problems: If no problems were found, proceed to Yes below.
  2. Viruses found and removed: If viruses were found but they were all successfully disinfected or quarantined:
    1. Restart your computer.
    2. Run another full scan of all your hard drives to ensure it is free of viruses.

    3. Windows users only: Clear out any previous System Restore points to prevent accidentally restoring a virus or worm from a previous checkpoint:

      1. Open the System control panel to the System Restore tab.
      2. Select the checkbox for "Turn off System Restore" then select Apply. Wait about a minute or two for the hourglass cursor to disappear.
      3. Uncheck the checkbox for "Turn off System Restore" then select OK.
      4. Restart your computer, proceed to Yes below.
  3. Viruses found and not removed: If viruses were found but not successfully removed:
    1. Review the scan results to determine the names of the viruses that could not be removed.
    2. Browse these links for free virus removal tools:
    3. Follow the instructions for the virus removal tool you chose so that all infections are completely removed. If it was too confusing or didn't work, try a virus removal tool from a different company. (For example, if your anti-virus program is McAfee VirusScan or Symantec Anti-Virus, it's okay to use a Sophos virus removal tool.)
    4. Some viruses are impossible to remove. If you were unsuccessful in removing the virus, you will need to perform a clean install of Windows XP or perform a clean install of Windows Vista. Before starting, back up your data (if possible), and disconnect your computer from the Internet -- malicious attacks have been known to occur during setup before Windows Firewall has started. For assistance, contact the person or company from whom you purchased your computer.

Yes

Congratulations! Proceed to Step 4: Set up a firewall.

Help? Feedback?

Try asking your question in the Craigslist computer forum. To provide feedback for this page, send the URL and your comments to Web & Data Services Manager Frank Farm at farmf@pharmacy.ucsf.edu.

Go To: Computer Security