Use antivirus software before you install Windows XP (317321)

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How Antivirus Software Works

When you use e-mail programs or browse the Internet, you subject your computer to viruses. A virus can infect your computer when you do something as harmless as clicking a file attachment in an e-mail message that is sent from someone on an infected computer. The more that you use your computer for communication, whether this communication is through the Internet, through e-mail, or through file sharing, the more susceptible your computer is to viruses and virus-related problems.

Protect your computer and your contacts by using antivirus software before you upgrade to Windows XP. Antivirus software detects, fixes, and prevents viruses from spreading to and from your computer. Antivirus software searches for latent viruses on your computer, including viruses that may have spread to your system without your knowledge. The software can also install antivirus fixes on your computer, which protect your system from future infection and prevent it from inadvertently spreading viruses to other computers.

Unfortunately, some computer viruses are not discovered until you try to upgrade or to modify your software. Therefore, we recommend that you use antivirus software proactively before you install Windows XP.

McAfee.com Corporation

McAfee offers a free virus scan with VirusScan Online to all users who upgrade to Windows XP. Microsoft highly recommends that you run this virus scan or another virus scan before you install Windows XP. McAfee.com Corporate Headquarters: Antivirus Products for Windows XP Users:

Network Associates, Inc.

You can download Network Associates antivirus software from the following Network Associates Web site: The Network Associates Virus Library is available at the following Network Associates Web site: For virus prevention tips, a virus calendar, a virus glossary, and other information, refer to the following Anti-Virus Emergency Response Team (AVERT) labs Web site: Network Associates Corporate Headquarters: Antivirus Products:

Symantec Corporation

Symantec offers a free tool to repair the SirCam virus. You can download this tool from the following Symantec Web site: Symantec offers a free tool named Symantec Security Check to test how susceptible your system is to security and virus threats. You can download this tool from the following Symantec Web site: Symantec Corporate Headquarters: Antivirus Products for Desktop and Server: Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.