How to Remove a Virus and Repair Windows XP for Free

Considering Options For Repair

1. Try the Windows XP System Restore tool. Whether you know it or not, Windows takes a snapshot of your PC every so often – at least by default upon installation – and you can always restore your system to that snapshot. This effectively turns your PC back in time to before the virus existed, destroying it. If restoring back as far as you can doesn't work, go to the next step.

   1. Find it under the 'System Tools' group of the 'Accessories' menu under your 'Programs' menu. Select 'Restore My Computer To An Earlier Time' and then choose a date that your computer worked properly.^[1]

2. Download an antivirus program if you can. If you have problems with Internet Explorer, use Mozilla Firefox and/or Google Chrome. If none work, you'll have to download whatever tools you need to a USB stick from a computer that does work and then move to the next step.

   1. CNET in early 2014 recommended Kaspersky, BitDefender, and Panda Security, all of which still support Windows XP and have free and freemium versions.

3. Download other anti-malware software. Not only is doing so thorough, it may not even be a virus you're dealing with: you could be a victim of a Trojan or another type of malware. A few good apps to try include AdAware, Norton Power Eraser, and Malwarebytes.

4. Repair Windows if antivirus and other antimalware software don't work. If you have a Windows CD you can simply put the disc into the PC, restart it, and choose to boot from CD when asked. After that, follow the onscreen instructions, choosing to repair Windows instead of reinstalling -- this way you keep your existing files.^[2]

5. Perform a total install of Windows. If you've got your original XP install discs, a full install might help clear things out. This option will destroy your files and thus, unless you don't care about your files, should be a last resort. If you have a Windows CD you can simply put the disc into the PC, restart it, and choose to boot from CD when asked. After that, follow the onscreen instructions, choosing to totally reformat your hard drive when presented with the reformat utility.

   1. Virus repair of Windows XP is difficult and fraught with increasingly diminishing returns the older the operating system gets. Consider an upgrade to your operating system if all else fails or if you'd like to have fewer problems in the future.^[3]