How to Clean a Laptop's Virus

Laptop viruses range from obnoxious adware trying to sell you junk to serious infections that compromise your laptop's functionality and security. Many viruses will leave your computer open to further attack, so it's important not to wait to clean the virus out. Microsoft includes a tool preinstalled on PCs to do the job for you.

Instructions:

1. • 1
     Run Microsoft's "Malicious Software Removal Tool." In Windows XP, click the "Start" button and select "Run." In Windows Vista and 7, click the "Start" button and type in the search field. In all cases, type "MRT" and click "Enter."
   • 2
     Click the button labeled "Next."
   • 3   Select "Full Scan." While this takes longer than the default "Quick Scan," it gives a better  chance of cleaning a laptop's virus.
   • 4
     Click the button labeled "Next." Wait for the program to complete the scan of your laptop.
   • 5
     Follow the prompts that appear to clean any viruses from your laptop.
   • 6
     Click the button labeled "Finish."
   • 7
     Restart your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• If the virus is preventing your laptop from starting properly, boot it in "Safe Mode." Press the "F8" key repeatedly as your machine starts up, then arrow down to Safe Mode and click "Enter."