MSN/Windows Live Messenger Virus?

Windows Live Messenger Virus?

• I recently discovered that my Windows Live Messenger has some virus which sends weird messages to people on my list. I scanned my computer, but no virus was found. I removed ...show more

• Answer:

  Reformatting is not the only way to get rid of a virus. The BEST way to get rid of a virus is to not get one in the first place. While this may sound kindof smartallicky.. I do not mean it to be... the best defense is really a good defense. Some malware is difficult to get rid of and will actually mutate and make it impossible to install antivirus after-the-fact and/or will damage your files so badly that you will have no choice but to reformat. I would suggest that you first perform a web based scan from a reliable site like symantec.com or from trend micro at http://housecall65.trendmicro.com which will scan AND remove malware. I would also suggest that you run windows update to ensure your operating system is up to date with the latest security patches and make sure it's set to auto update them as well. Then get yourself a security suite (antivirus, firewall, antispyware, etc) from a RELIABLE vendor (like a mcafee, norton, kaspersky, etc) and make sure its properly configured and automatically updating to protect yourself. If you do not know how to use your security suite it may be worth a few extra bucks to hire a reliable and qualified technician / tutor who can give you instructions on how to do some basic maintenance on your pc, some basic security awareness for safe browsing habits, and how to handle alerts from your security suite... this is SOOOOooo important. Good Luck