How to eliminate a computer virus (258801)

SUMMARY

Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me), Microsoft Windows 95, and Microsoft Windows 98 do not include antivirus programs, and do not include the ability to detect or remove computer viruses. A computer virus is a program file that is designed to replicate itself and avoid detection. A virus may try to avoid detection by disguising itself as a legitimate program. Viruses are frequently rewritten and adjusted so that they cannot be detected. Antivirus programs must be updated continuously to look for new and modified viruses. Viruses are the primary method of computer vandalism. This article includes information about how to eliminate a virus, including additional security-related information.

MORE INFORMATION

Because Windows Me, Windows 95, and Windows 98 do not include the ability to detect or remove computer viruses, you must obtain and install a third-party antivirus program to detect and remove a virus. Viruses, worms, and trojans can all be classified as malicious software, or "malware." Malicious software can be defined as any software that is intentionally created to cause harm or loss of data to a single computer, server, computer network, or other resources. For more information about viruses and security-related issues, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.asp

For more information about computer viruses, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

129972 Computer viruses: description, prevention, and recovery

For more information about malicious software, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/alerts/info/malware.mspx