A nice tool to use online is the free virus scanning that most anti-virus companies offer as a way to give you a reason to buy their program. The problem for them is when you determine you have a virus the removal aspect of their anti-virus program that you would have to buy is pointless.
If you have a virus and even if you have spyware on your Windows operating system, you may as well start over by backing up important data, formatting your hard drive and install Windows. Yes, start over.
Here are the online scanners in the order I recommend them.
- Free Virus Scan – from Kaspersky has a lot of options and doesn’t require that you use Internet Explorer which is good for the people who are no longer on the Microsoft bandwagon and tired of being attacked with all IEs vulnerabilities.
- HouceCall – from TrendMirco is a good scanner than doesn’t require that you use Internet Explorer either. There are only 2 options so you have less of a chance to making the wrong choice when you scan your computer.
- ESET Online Scanner – from ESET requires the use of Internet Explorer or you have to download a small client program to run the scan utility. If you are going to buy a active/traditional anti-virus program I recommend you pay for the NOD Anti-virus 4 for $40/year or $60/2-years from ESET.