What if I think my computer is infected with a virus?

If you have reason to suspect your computer is infected with a virus (you have opened a suspicious e-mail attachment, your computer is suddenly crashing or running slowly, you receive error messages whenever you start up your computer or try to launch an application, a friend or colleague has warned you that they have received an infected e-mail attachment from you), then:

1. Immediately disconnect your computer from the network to prevent the virus from spreading further or e-mailing out copies of your personal documents. If you have a wireless network adapter, you will need to both unplug your network cord and disable your wireless connection. Most notebooks with wireless have a physical button or switch to power off the wireless card.
   
   
2. Check to see if your virus protection is up-to-date and scan your hard drive for viruses. Instructions are available at:
   • What if my PC gets a virus?
   • What if my Macintosh gets a virus?