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Virus Removal Instructions

If Your Computer Is Infected With a Virus

  1. Stay calm and don't change or delete anything from your computer. Write down on a piece of paper any information you know about the virus - for instance the name of the virus or messages that appear on the screen as a result of the virus or the name of the E-mail attachment that caused the virus.  If you have anti-virus software installed, include its name and version. Stop using your computer for anything. Using your computer after it is infected will often spread the infection, delete valuable data files and can seriously damage the operating system rendering the computer unable to boot up properly. If this is a personally owned computer, or if it is located off campus, call the Division of Information Technology Help Desk at 415-338-1420 and ask for someone trained in virus removal.  If your computer is owned by the university and is on campus, call the Division of Information Technology at 338-1211 to schedule an appointment with a consultant who can assist you with the problem.  Faculty may call 338-6825.
  2. If you have another computer available:

     You can use a web browser to research information about your particular virus.  Use Network Associates' searchable Virus Information Library, Symantec's searchable Virus Encyclopedia, or Trend Micro's searchable Virus Encyclopedia. If you use other anti-virus software installed you should check that vendor's web pages.  You will usually find step by step instructions on how to remove the virus. If you do not find any information on the virus you may also want to browse for information regarding hoaxes - check NAI's Virus Hoax Site, VMyths, Symantec's Virus Hoax site, Trend Micro, and/or Urban Legend's and Folklore site. Check Network Associates' free Stand Alone Tools which includes virus removal applications for recent viruses that cannot be fixed by VirusScan. If you are technically savy and you have identified the virus using the above method you can use the information provided from Network Associates's web site to remove the virus and restore your system. Otherwise, please wait for assistance from a Division of Information Technology consultant. 


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San Francisco State University

Last Modified: 26 Jan 2005
doit@sfsu.edu