Computers are excellent tools for learning, productivity,and entertainment, but without proper maintenance their usefulness declines rapidly. Problems develop when viruses make their way into a system, through a security hole or other exploit. Listed below are a few common questions about problems that can occur during the course of normal computing, and the steps you can follow to alleviate such problems.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I do if Symantec Antivirus detects a virus?
How can I remove spyware from my computer?
How do I boot my computer into Safe Mode?
How do I set an Administrator password in Windows XP?
What sort of other maintenance can I perform?
What should I do if Symantec Antivirus detects a virus?
If while running a virus scan your computer indicates that it is infected, there are a few steps which should be followed.
1. Write down the specific names of the viruses found, such as W32.Sasser.G
2. Make sure Virus definitions are up to date by running LiveUpdate.
3. Reboot the computer in Safe Mode and scan the computer again.
Instructions for booting in Safe Mode
4. Check the ITS Alerts Page for the Symantec Report. This contains information and removal tools pertaining to the most prevalent virus threats.
Hint: The average computer user can remove viruses and worms using the tools described above. Just remember to read the directions carefully.
If problems persist, you may call the ITS Help Desk at x2299 for further assistance.
How can I remove spyware from my computer?
Spyware is a threat which is becoming more and more common as time goes on. Not quite as destructive as viruses but still problematic themselves, there are many tools that are useful in fighting this problem. For more information on eliminating spyware, please see the ITS Spyware page. As with most tools, they are best run in Windows Safe Mode. For an explanation of how to enter safe mode, see the next FAQ. Hint: The average computer user can remove adware and spyware using the tools described above. Just remember to read the directions carefully.
How do I boot my computer into Safe Mode?
Many of the tools that are useful for alleviating the problems caused by viruses or spyware are best run in Windows Safe Mode. Safe Mode is the Windows diagnostics mode where only the specific components needed to run the operating system are loaded. Safe mode does not allow some functions. Safe mode also loads a standard video driver at a low resolution. Due to the low resolution, programs and the Windows desktop may look different from usual and the desktop icons may have moved to different locations on the desktop. Instructions for booting into safe mode can be found below.
Windows 95:
1. Restart the Computer.
2. Watch the screen while it is black. When you see "Starting Windows 95," press the F8 key.
Windows 98/ME:
1. Restart the Computer.
2. As the computer restarts, press and hold down the F8 key until Windows 98 Startup menu appears.
3. Choose Safe Mode from the startup menu and then press Enter. Windows starts in Safe Mode.
Windows XP:
1. Restart the computer. As the computer restarts, repeatedly tap the F8 key until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears. If the computer returns a "keyboard error" message, restart the computer and try again.
2. Using the arrow keys on the keyboard, scroll to and select the Safe Mode option on the menu, and then press Enter.
How do I set an Administrator Password in Windows XP?
The Administrator account, by default, has a blank password for ease of use. Unfortunately, leaving the password to this account blank not only allows easy access to a computer for a user, but also for others wishing to perform more malicious tasks. The steps below outline setting up a password for the Administrator account.
1.Turn off the Welcome Screen
Click on the Start Menu
Open the Control Panel and select User Accounts
Click on the link Change the way users log on and off
Uncheck Use the Welcome screen
(This can be reversed after setting the password by following the above process and re-checking the box)
2. Click on the Start menu and select Log Off. Windows will now log out of your current account.
3. You will now be presented with a login screen. Type Administrator as your user name. Leave the password field blank.
4. Click OK. Windows should log in normally, if so, continue with the steps below. Otherwise, a password has already been set for the Administrator account.
5. While logged in as Administrator, click on the Start menu. Open the Control Panel and select User Accounts.
6. Click on the Administrator account.
7. Click on the Create a password link.
8. Type a new password. Generally, this should be a password you are likely to remember, but not one that is easily guessed.
9. Re-type the password in the next box to confirm the change.
10. Click the Create password button. If successful, the Administrator account should now be labeled as Password protected.
What sort of other maintenance should I perform?
As time goes on, your hard drive may become cluttered with unnecessary files that are no longer needed. Windows XP computers include a utility called "Disk Cleanup" which should be run at regular intervals, perhaps once a month, at some convenient time when your computer is not otherwise in use.
1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.
2. Choose the drive you want to scan (usually C:) from the drop-down menu, and wait while the program calculates how much disk space is available for cleanup.
3. To delete files which are no longer needed, click the Disk Cleanup tab, select the check boxes next to the files that you want to remove, click OK, and then click Yes.
Page last published on 12/7/2007 10:56:27 AM