Here Are the Different Actions You Can Take to Remove a Virus From Your Computer:

Keep your antivirus program up to date. If you have already installed an anti-virus program on your computer, it is important to keep it up to date. As new viruses are created constantly, most antivirus programs are frequently updated. Check your antivirus program's documentation or visit its website for information on how to receive updates. Keep in mind that some viruses block the most common antivirus websites. Therefore, you cannot visit the website to download updates to antivirus programs. In this case, check with your antivirus program vendor to see if you can obtain a disc to install the most recent updates. You can create this disc on a computer that is not infected (a friend's computer, for example).

Keep your antivirus program up to date

Use an online scanner. If you do not have anti-virus software installed, see the Windows Vista Security Software Publishers website for more information about security and virus prevention. Some partner sites offer free online scanners that check your computer for the latest viruses. These scanners do not protect you against virus intrusion, but they do allow you to find and remove those already on your computer.

Download Microsoft Safety Scanner. Microsoft offers the Microsoft Safety Scanner tool. For more information, see the Microsoft Safety Scanner website.

Stop a virus that is spreading. Viruses are often created specifically to take control of your computer and spread to other computers from yours. Normally, you can notice this when your computer is running slowly and the network is accessed more frequently than usual. If you see this problem, you should disconnect your computer from the Internet and your network (if applicable). If you are connected to the Internet through a physical connection, disconnect the network or telephone cable from your computer. If you are connected to the Internet wirelessly on a laptop computer, disable your laptop's wireless card (by turning it off or removing your wireless card). Once your computer is disconnected from the Internet,

Manually remove viruses. Sometimes a virus must be removed manually. This is a technical operation that should be performed by users who have good experience with Windows registry and who know how to view and delete program and system files in Windows.

The first step is to identify the virus.  If you do not have an antivirus program or your program does not detect the virus, you can still identify it by observing its behaviour. Write down the text of any messages displayed by the virus or, if you received the virus through an email message, write down the text that is in the subject line or file name attached to the message. Check the antivirus vendor's website for references from what you have written down to find the name of the virus and find instructions for removing it.

The virus is gone, what now? Regular backups reduce the time spent restoring in the event of virus attacks. If you've never made a backup, start now.

How do I protect my computer from viruses?

Protecting your computer from viruses and other threats is not a difficult task, but you need to be diligent.

Install anti-virus software. You can protect your computer against viruses by installing an antivirus and keeping it up to date. Antivirus scans for viruses that try to infiltrate your email messages, operating system, or files. As new viruses appear every day, visit your antivirus publisher's website regularly for updates. Most antiviruses come with annual subscriptions that can be renewed if needed. To find a virus scanning program, visit the Windows Vista Security Software Providers Web page.

Do not open e-mail attachments. A large number of viruses are attached to e-mail messages and are spread as soon as you open the attachment. It is therefore recommended that you only open the attachments that you expect to receive. Microsoft Outlook and Windows Mail help you block any potentially dangerous attachments.

Keep Windows up to date. Periodically, Microsoft produces security updates that help protect your computer. These updates aim to prevent viruses and other attacks on your computer by repairing potential security breaches. Make sure that Windows receives these updates by turning on Windows Automatic Update. For more information, see Turn automatic update on or off.

Use a firewall. A firewall can also prevent viruses, worms, and hackers from downloading potentially malicious programs to your computer.