How to Install Anti-Virus Software on an Infected Computer

By Jason Spidle

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While most viruses and spyware are relatively easy to remove with standard anti-virus software, some viruses are so sophisticated that they can prevent the user from installing anti-virus software and in some cases, can disable or uninstall existing protections on the computer. These viruses are often the most difficult to deal with because they are able to prevent the user from taking actions that could result in the removal of the virus. To successfully remove the virus, you will need to install anti-virus software that approaches the issue from a different angle than typical anti-virus programs before you can proceed with installing standard protection.

Install Anti-Virus Program With USB Drive

Step 1

Plug the USB drive into an uninfected computer. Most viruses spread to USB devices so installing the anti-virus from your infected computer will not help.

Step 2

Install a USB drive-based anti-virus program onto your thumb drive (see Resources).

Step 3

Restart the infected computer.

Step 4

Press "F8" during the boot initialization process until the boot options menu appears.

Step 5

Select "Safe Mode" to boot Windows without additional services, software and malware.

Step 6

Plug the USB drive into the infected computer once Windows boots into safe mode.

Step 7

Run the anti-virus software from the USB drive to remove virus infections.

Run Anti-Virus From the Command Prompt

Step 1

Download an anti-virus program that is capable of running from the command prompt (see References).

Step 2

Restart the computer.

Step 3

Press "F8" during the boot initialization process until the boot options menu appears.

Step 4

Select "Safe Mode" to boot Windows without additional services, software and malware.

Step 5

Launch a Command Prompt by selecting "Start" and then "Run" and then typing "cmd."

Step 6

Initiate the anti-virus scan from the command prompt as specified by the instructions included with the download.

References

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