How to Remove Threats Detected by McAfee
By Lynn Burbeck
McAfee provides virus and security protection for computers in the form of virus scans, firewalls and data protection. When run regularly, McAfee is supposed to identify threats to your computer and alert you of the problem. In many instances, it is able to clean and repair the infected files automatically. If you are alerted to trojans, worms or other security threats that McAfee can't immediately fix, you'll need to take extra steps to eliminate the detected threats.
Run a McAfee virus scan on your computer. Once the scan is complete, you'll be notified about threats detected during the scan. At this time, you'll have the option to "fix" the issues instantly. All of the infected files that are successfully cleaned and repaired by McAfee will disappear from the list of security threats detected on your computer.
Run a second virus scan if there are threats that the initial virus scan wasn't able to fix. Sometimes, users get error messages telling them that the cleaning of an infected file has failed, even though the file was indeed fixed. Running a secondary scan will let you know for sure if there are files on your computer that still need attention.
Disable System Restore on your computer. In Windows, you can access the System Restore settings by clicking on the "Start" button, going to the "Control Panel," clicking on the "System and Maintenance" folder and selecting "System."
Within the "System" folder, click on "System Protection" in the left pane. Here you can turn System Restore on and off.
Run the McAfee virus scan a third time with the System Restore feature turned off. This will help clean any infected files within the Operating System.
Send samples of the potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that McAfee is still unable to clean to McAfee Labs. They will analyze the threat and add the proper code to the virus so it can be eliminated from your system. There are two ways to submit a virus or malware sample to McAfee Labs: by using the McAfee ServicePortal/Platinum Portal or via email. The McAfee Service Portal is only available to Gold and Platinum members.
Zip the suspected virus in a password-protected file. The password must be the word "infected," typed in all lower-case letters. Along with the zipped file, you must include a list of all the files contained in the zip file, information on why you think the programs are malicious, whether it was found by a security product, your McAfee product information and any system details you deem relevant regarding your operating system or service pack.
Login to your McAfee Service Portal to submit the suspected virus or email the zip file to [email protected]. Make sure to include all of the necessary information, as outlined in Step 6.
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Writer Bio
Lynn Burbeck is a professional writer with over five years of experience writing for the Web. She has published numerous articles for print and online media including "Grit" Magazine. Burbeck holds a B.A. in journalism and political science.