Safe mode virus scan?

Question

I've been told online by a computer specialist that after I download the antivirus programme that he's recommended, I should restart my computer in safe mode and do a virus scan with it. However, my computer always crashes when I get to the list where I select safe mode, so I can only start it normally. Will it be ok if I just do a virus scan in normal mode?

Answer 1

You should have a good anti-virus program to help protect your computer. AVG FREE is an excellent anti-virus program, which can be downloaded from www.download.com. You might also choose Avast or Avira, both also free programs from www.download.com.

Since NONE of the anti-spyware/anti-adware programs are 100% accurate in finding and removing spyware, you need at least two programs which you will run one after the other, not at the same time.

There are three excellent free ones:

--Spybot, Search and Destroy

--Ad-Aware

--Spyware Blaster

All are available FREE from www.download.com

You will need to download, install, update (and IMMUNIZE in Spybot) and run them, one at a time. Be careful with the NAME of these programs - there are "look-alikes" with very similar names, that are in fact spyware themselves! Reboot after you install each one!

NOTE: Some infections prevent your from downloading the above programs. You may have to use a clean computer to download the programs and copy them to a thumb drive or CD. Then transfer the install files to the infected computer and run.

--Occasionally you will not be able to run these programs without being in SAFE MODE. To get there, reboot your computer and tap the F8 key, repeatedly until a menu comes up. You want to choose SAFE MODE WITH NETWORKING.

Answer 2

YES run in scan in normal mode to check your computer for viruses and spyware with software suggested by the computer specialist. If the software did nt work then download and run Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware from http://www.geeksjunction.com to check your computer for all kinds of infection.