Windows: virus caught - what to do?

• First of all, keep calm. Even if you have caught a virus on your computer, it can be removed in most cases.
• If its just adware that has infected your browser, you dont have to worry too much. If your system crashes or the use of Windows is severely hampered, you have a more serious problem.
• Depending on whether it is a "small" or "big" virus, you should disconnect from the Internet to be on the safe side. Persistent and destructive viruses usually download other malware via the network.

• First, open the Control Panel and look for new additions in the list of installed programs. If an unknown installation was recently performed here, remove the program. Detailed instructions can be found in this practical tip .
• If you only caught adware that affects your browser, the AdwCleaner and the Junkware Removal Tool will help you. It only takes a few minutes to use and can therefore not do any harm in the case of other problems.
• We also recommend running a system scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to find and delete infected files.
• Alternatively or additionally, you can Dr. Use Web CureIt . This virus scanner is also considered to be extremely reliable.

Start Windows in safe mode to boot the system with only the most necessary settings. This may prevent the virus from starting.

• Before starting Windows, open safe mode with the "F8" key. You can find more information about safe mode in this practical tip .
• If you started Windows in safe mode, you should use the virus scanner again. Step 3 may also only be possible in safe mode.

• A system restore returns your computer to a selected point in time. The infection is thus reversed in some cases. If you have a backup program, you can run it. In this practical tip we will show you how to start the Windows recovery.
• If the restore fails, select an earlier point in time to restore. Otherwise, try safe mode (see point 2).

If you continue to have problems with the virus, you can seek help in numerous forums.

• To do this, create a log file using the HijackTihis program.
• Experienced users in the CHIP forum can read this file and thus give you further assistance.

If the virus proves to be particularly persistent, your only option is to reinstall Windows. The system is completely reset and all data is deleted.

• Before you reinstall Windows, you should back up your data on a USB stick or an external hard drive.
• For the complete installation of Windows, you will find instructions for Windows 7 and Windows 8 .

If you have finally gotten rid of the virus, you should protect yourself against a new infection.

• Create backup: Windows always creates its own backups in the background. However, you can also create your backup with other software like Paragon Backup & Recovery 2014 Free and save it to an external storage.
• Surf Safely: Always surf the web with caution. Avoid dubious websites and only download from trusted websites. You should always be on your guard, especially with email attachments. In the next practical tip, we will show you how to recognize dangerous spam mail .
• Use anti-virus software: You should always install anti-virus software under Windows. The pre-installed protection of Windows is not sufficient. We recommend the free protection programs from Avast , BitDefender and AVG .
• Install updates: To protect yourself from the latest threats, you should always update Windows and other software.

Also read what types of malware are and how a virus works .