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Article Number: 000124387

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Protect your computer or remove virus, spyware or other malware in Microsoft Windows

Summary: Find information on protecting your computer from viruses, spyware and malware.

Article Content

Symptoms

 

Table of Contents:

  1. What is Malware and How Do I Know if My Computer is Infected?
  2. Determine if Security Software is on Your Dell Computer and Get Support
  3. Register Your Dell Factory Installed Security Software
  4. Run the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)
  5. Ensure that Microsoft Security Features are Enabled
  6. Install the Latest Anti-Malware Software to Protect Your Computer

This article describes what viruses, spyware and malware are, how to remove a suspected malware infection and ways to protect your system against attack.

1: What is Malware and How Do I Know if My Computer is Infected?

Malware has become the name for any type of malicious software such as spyware, adware, or viruses that harm your computer's performance or security. Most malware infections stem from Internet activity which include downloading files or even browsing Internet sites. Most measures for protecting against malware focus on ways to make Internet browsing more secure. Various symptoms can be associated with malware, so any one (or a combination) of the following symptoms could be good indicators of malware infection.

  • Browser Redirects, Popups, Homepage Changes: The browser may suddenly redirect to an unknown website, or a previously set homepage may change without warning or input.
  • Slow Computer Response: The computer may seem to "lock up" or run slow during regular use. It is also not uncommon to experience delays in the operating system loading to the desktop.
  • Processor Utilization at 100% in Task Manager: The processor seems to be working overtime and/or slowly. To check the processor utilization or the Kernel Memory status, press the CTRL +  ALT + DEL keys simultaneously. Then click the Performance tab. Processor utilization is indicated by the CPU Usage gauge.
  • Virtual Memory Low Message: This message keeps appearing no matter what changes are made to resolve the issue.

For more information about the systems and indicators of an infected system, refer to the article below:

For detailed information about malware, refer to the Wikipedia entry on malware:

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2: Determine if Security Software is on Your Dell Computer and Get Support

Determine if you have security software that is already installed on your computer. If so, refer to your vendor for information about removal of malware. 

To determine if you have security software, check the System Tray in the bottom-right corner of your screen for a security icon. McAfee icons typically are red with a large letter "M" in the center of the icon.

NOTE: If you do not have or do not wish to purchase any Internet security software, Windows 10 includes comprehensive security software. Visit the Windows Security Hub to preview and get support.

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3: Register your McAfee LiveSafe Security Software

Dell computers can ship with McAfee Security Center or McAfee LiveSafe, either as a 30-day trial version or subscriptions of up to 36 months. Registration of the product is part of the Windows first-time startup process for your PC. Accept the End-User License Agreement (EULA) and supply your email address for registration. No further action is required.

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4: Run the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)

The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool accurately detects and removes about 80% of known viruses and spyware from your system.

  1. Navigate to the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool download page.

  • Click Download to start the download process.

  • Click Run to download and run the program.

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SLN128053_en_US__1Secure  Get general information and guidance to secure your system/data on our Security and Antivirus page.

 
SLN128053_en_US__2image(13480)  Out of warranty? No problem click here, enter your Service Tag and view our offers. 

 

SLN128053_en_US__3icon Currently, offers are only available for US, Canada, UK, Germany and France PC Customers. Server and Storage not applicable.

 

Article Properties

Affected Product

Alienware 15 R4, Alienware 17 R5, Alienware Area-51 R4 and R5, Alienware Aurora R5, Desktops & All-in-Ones, G Series, G Series, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Retired Models, Fixed Workstations, Dell SE2719H, Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16 Alienware 15 R4, Alienware 17 R5, Alienware Area-51 R4 and R5, Alienware Aurora R5, Desktops & All-in-Ones, G Series, G Series, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Retired Models, Fixed Workstations, Dell SE2719H, Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16, Dell G3 3579, Dell G7 15 7588, Dell G3 3779, Inspiron 3452, Inspiron 15 7572, Inspiron 7580, Inspiron 3052, Inspiron 20 3064, Inspiron 3264 AIO, Inspiron 3265, Inspiron 3452 AIO, Inspiron 3455, Inspiron 24 3464, Inspiron 24 5488, Inspiron 27 7775, Inspiron 3252, Inspiron 3655, Latitude 10e ST2E, Latitude 10, Latitude 5290 2-in-1, Latitude 7290, Latitude 3390 2-in-1, Latitude 7350 2-in-1, Latitude 7390 2-in-1, Latitude 7390, Latitude 3490, Latitude 5490, Latitude 5491, Latitude 7490, Latitude 3590, Latitude 5590, Latitude 5591, Latitude 5175 2-in-1, Latitude 5179 2-in-1, Latitude 7202 Rugged Tablet, Latitude ST, OptiPlex 3050 All In One, OptiPlex 3050, OptiPlex 3060, OptiPlex 5050, OptiPlex 5060, OptiPlex 5250 All In One, OptiPlex 7050, OptiPlex 7060, OptiPlex 7450 All In One, OptiPlex 7460 All In One, OptiPlex 7760 All In One, Surface Pro 4, Vostro 5370, Vostro 14 3468, Vostro 5471, Vostro 15 3568, Vostro 3578, Vostro 15 5568, Vostro 3470, Vostro 3670, XPS 10 Tablet, XPS 18 1810, XPS 27 7760, XPS 8920 See more

Last Published Date

05 Dec 2020

Version

3

Article Type

Solution

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