STEP 1- The Antivirus

Computer Viruses not only reduce system performance but they have the potential to destroy data and allow a third party complete control over your computer. No PC today should be running without an updated AntiVirus program. Updated means that the AntiVirus program should have a current virus pattern, reference or definition file from within the last seven days. E-mailing, file sharing, disk sharing, and simply browsing the Internet can all potentially cause a computer virus infection.

Trend Micro Online Virus Scanner: A free online Virus Scanner that can be run anytime a Virus infection is suspected. The only ICSA Certified Online AntiVirus Scanner.

Instructions - Select "My Computer", "Auto Clean" and then "SCAN". Delete any viruses that cannot be cleaned. Even if you have an AntiVirus program installed run this anyway. If a Virus is unable to be cleaned or deleted use the Sysclean Package for removal below.

Trend Micro Sysclean Package- Download + Pattern File

A free Malware Removal Tool that can be run anytime Malware infection is suspected. This is not an AntiVirus Program.

Instructions - Download the Sysclean Package (sysclean.com) and the latest Pattern File (lptXXX.zip). Create a folder on your C: drive (C:\Sysclean), download both files to this folder, unzip the "lptXXX.zip" pattern file into this folder, then run "sysclean.com", check "Automatically clean or delete detected files", left-click "Scan". Tough to remove Malware requires a more thorough scan. Reboot your computer into safe mode by pressing the F8 key down during boot up and selecting "Safe Mode" from the Windows Advanced Options menu. In safe mode do another Sysclean scan and remove the remaining Malware infections.

Notes - The Pattern File is updated on a daily basis, make sure you are using the latest Pattern File. Anytime Malware is detected that your AntiVirus program or the Online Virus Scanner is unable to clean, you will have to redownload the latest Pattern File for Sysclean to be able to properly remove it. A larger numbered file (lptXXX.zip) represents a newer Pattern File. Control Pattern Releases will offer better detection since they are updated more frequently.

Update - If you run the Sysclean Package after an Antivirus is installed, the Antivirus! will falsely detect the sysclean.com file as infected with VBS:Redlof. Before running the Sysclean Package you will need to temporarily disable your AntiVirus program.

Avast! Home Edition - Download - Register

A free AntiVirus Program for those who do not already own a commercial one such as Trend Micro's PC-Cillin, McAfee or Norton AntiVirus. Avast Home Edition includes full virus protection in an easy to use interface with free automatic updating. If you are currently using a commercial AntiVirus program do not install this but confirm that yours is updated. (e-mail registration is required)

Avast! Professional Edition - Purchase - USD $39.95 / EUR 35.95If you like the Home Edition consider purchasing the Professional Edition which includes enhanced features. Some of the features not in the Home Edition include an Enhanced User Interface, Command Line Scanner, Task Scheduling, Scan Results History, Push Updates and Script Blocking.