Hey everyone,

I think my computer might be infected. It’s been acting weird lately with slow startup, random popups, and strange background processes. I’ve run a basic scan but it didn’t help much. I’m not very tech savvy, so I’m looking for straightforward advice.

What are some reliable ways to clean computer from virus infections without damaging important files? Should I use specific tools or is it better to reset everything? I’d appreciate some step by step guidance or recommended software.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

I highly recommend RogueKiller for getting rid of malware: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/roguekiller/

Saved countless PCs I have serviced over the years. The only downside is that it really cleans shit up, so depending on what you have, you might get some false positives. You either take it, or go through the list at the end of the scan and disable everything you know is safe.

 

Last edited: Jul 14, 2025

I have always used Hitman. Comprehensive, no nonsense and always has done the job.

Having said that, I haven't used an antivirus software for more than a decade now!

I stick to trusted sources and never go looking and downloading random stuff or visiting web pages that I don't know.

In the past, I used Sandboxie to launch my browser to figure out what was safe to visit, and which sources I could trust.

For now, use Hitman and clean your machine.

https://m.majorgeeks.com/files/details/hitman_pro.html

 

Install this tool and scan your PC; it's free!

adwcleaner - Remove unwanted malware, adware, spyware, toolbars, and browser hijackers
https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner

Check your startup folder to see if there's anything there that shouldn't be.

The free CCleaner has a startup button where you can disable startup programs. TOOLS -> Startup
www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/download

 

Last edited: Jul 14, 2025

Malwarebytes/ADWCleaner worked fine for me, for years.
I think most softwares listed here will catch it.

Reboot your computer in "safe mode" before cleaning it, a lot of those malwares are at driver/low level.
https://www.drivereasy.com/knowledge/how-to-enter-safe-mode-in-windows-10/