Common Types and Symptoms of a Computer Virus

If your computer is behaving strangely it may be infected. Common symptoms include:

• The computer is suddenly much slower than usual
• Frequent crashes, freezes, or unexpected restarts
• Pop-up ads or browser pages you didn't open
• Your home page or search engine has changed on its own
• Programs starting or closing by themselves
• Friends receiving emails or messages you didn't send
• Anti-virus or Windows Update has been switched off

What to do first

1. Make sure your anti-virus is up to date.
2. Disconnect from the internet (unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi).
3. Run a full virus scan and follow its recommendations.

If you don't have anti-virus installed, see our recommended anti-virus.

If the scan can't remove the problem — or the computer won't load Windows — ring us or bring it into the workshop and a technician will take a look.