The best programs for removing viruses. How to remove malware, the best utilities
Using the Internet is a process in which most PCs connected to online resources are at risk of becoming infected with viruses and malware. In turn, there are a large number of programs that can counter these threats. Which of them can be called the most effective?
Classification of programs for removing viruses from PCs
A program for removing viruses from a computer can be a highly specialized solution designed to search for and eliminate specific types of infected files on a PC, or multifunctional anti-virus software that includes a wide range of functions for treating an infected computer. It is difficult to say which type of software is more effective in cleaning a PC from a virus. In principle, you can always use both a highly specialized product and a full-fledged antivirus. A program for removing viruses from a computer, adapted for specific types of threats, may be more effective in cases where a large number of files are infected: simultaneous processing of them by an antivirus can overload the system, as a result of which the treatment of the PC will not be entirely effective.
It would be justified to use the solutions in question if the malicious program is not actually a virus, but a script embedded, as an option, in the code of a web page opened in a browser. In this case, it may be difficult for an antivirus that is best adapted to searching for “classic” viruses to detect such a PC threat.
In turn, a multifunctional antivirus is more effective in cases where you need to find several infected files on your PC, but containing a very dangerous and difficult to detect virus. This scenario requires the program to access large anti-virus databases - those that multifunctional solutions have. But it will be useful to consider the specifics of both types of virus removal software. Let's start with programs that have a narrow specialization, that is, adapted to remove specific types of threats from a PC.
Kido Removal Tool
Among the most effective solutions in question is the Kido Removal Tool program. It is a small utility designed to search for and remove the common Conficker virus from a PC. It belongs to the category of worms - that is, it spreads through networks. The program has a console interface, generally simple in structure.
RootkitBuster
This program is adapted for removing rootkits from a PC. Characterized by exceptionally high operational reliability. Its important advantage is that it is free. The program checks a variety of areas of the operating system - boot record, registry, ports.
RecIt
Another useful program is RecIt. It does an excellent job of detecting common threats such as Trojans, in particular those that require sending SMS and block operating system interfaces. It can also be controlled from the command line, but the process of using it does not imply any difficulties for the PC owner.
AdwCleaner
This software is best suited for removing malware, which is an unwanted advertising script, from your computer. As a rule, they are built into browser interfaces and greatly interfere with the user’s ability to receive information from websites.
The main advantage of the program in question is that it is free, combined with high efficiency. It is noteworthy that the interface of this software is complemented by various useful tips for the PC owner. The program updates the database of malicious scripts independently.
HitmanPro
The next popular highly specialized product is HitmanPro. Its main advantage is its speed, which is also combined with the high quality of the modules responsible for detecting and removing threats.
It is noteworthy that this solution does not require installation. The program in question works for free for 30 years, after which you will need to purchase a commercial version of the software.
Anti-Malware
Another example of successful software that falls into the highly specialized category is the Anti-Malware solution. In particular, it is perfectly adapted for searching for malicious scripts in the browser. This function of the program is assessed extremely positively by users and experts.
What is the best program for removing viruses from a computer among those that fall into the category of highly specialized solutions? The peculiarity of products of the corresponding type is that the user can test them one by one. Therefore, the PC owner can identify the most effective solution in the shortest possible time by trial and error.
In terms of basic functions and capabilities, the solutions we reviewed are generally on the same level, regardless of whether they are free or commercial.
Let us now study what popular programs there are that fall into the category of multifunctional antiviruses. They, in principle, can also be adapted to remove malicious scripts and other unwanted software, like the solutions that we studied above - but their main specialization is in searching for and removing “classic” viruses. That is, codes that are built into the structure of other programs and therefore, as a rule, potentially significantly more dangerous than malicious online scripts.
Kaspersky
Perhaps the most popular Russian program for removing viruses from a computer is Kaspersky Anti-Virus. It is characterized by functionality, reliability, a large anti-virus database, and a relatively high level of performance. This product is universal - it is perfect for most common operating systems.
Among its notable functions, in addition to protecting the PC itself from viruses, are the protection of electronic payments, control of access to sites, and the ability to emergency restore the operating system. Of course, the standard and most popular functions, such as, in particular, scanning disks, removing viruses from the computer at startup, monitoring harmful scripts, are also implemented and performed at the highest level in Kaspersky Anti-Virus.
The most common tests of antivirus solutions - conducted, in particular, by experts from Virus Bulletin and Dennis Technology Labs - show the highest efficiency of the Russian program - more than 90%.
Doctor Web
Another well-known Russian brand is the Doctor Web program for removing viruses from your computer. This solution is among the pioneers in the domestic market of antivirus solutions. The Doctor Web development team has extensive experience in creating algorithms for protecting PCs from various types of threats.
The main advantages of the Dr Web virus removal program:
Prompt updating of virus threat databases;
High performance with a relatively low load on operating system resources;
Clear and convenient Russian-language interface.
Among the disadvantages of the solution under consideration is the ability of some outdated software versions to cause freezes and crashes in the OS. However, the latest installations of Doctor Web, as users note, function without any problems.
NOD 32
The next popular antivirus product is NOD 32. Its main advantages are speed, excellent quality of threat detection modules, functionality, and the absence of high requirements for system performance.
Some users sometimes note that the antivirus is overly attentive to the files being scanned - when the program signals the presence of a virus in a harmless file due to the fact that its code structure contains algorithms similar to those characteristic of malware.
BitDefender
The next well-known program for removing viruses from your computer is BitDefender software. As in the case of Kaspersky Anti-Virus, this solution allows you to control access to sites, as well as protect electronic transactions. Regarding performance, the software in question itself works quite quickly, and also includes a PC acceleration function.
Some difficulties in using the program in question may arise due to the fact that its interface is not Russified. But the basic functions that this solution offers can be easily used by Russian users. It is noteworthy that the brand manufacturer of the antivirus program in question is organizing promotions in which you can get a distribution kit of the corresponding software for free six-month use.
360 Total Security
Another popular program for removing viruses from your computer is 360 Internet Security Solution. Its main advantage is that it is free, combined with the highest efficiency. Thus, Virus Bulletin tests show that the antivirus copes with more than 87% of tasks. The program in question for removing viruses from a computer—reviews from many users confirm this—is convenient. This is due not only to the presence of a Russian-language interface, but also to the well-thought-out menu structure and functions of the solution. The antivirus software in question has the widest range of capabilities to protect your PC, programs running on it, and remove malicious files from your computer.
Avast
The next common program for removing viruses from your computer is Avast. This software is available in both paid and free versions. Its main advantages are a high level of virus detection using signature algorithms. The user is recommended to use the enhanced protection mode provided by the antivirus in question - it allows the program to conduct even more effective monitoring of the appearance of malicious files on the computer. If the corresponding function is not active, the level of protection against viruses may be significantly reduced.
The program in question for removing viruses from a computer can monitor threats both on the PC’s hard drive and in the software interfaces used by the user when going online. Some experts consider this software to be quite difficult to configure - but, as reviews from specialists and users on thematic portals show, not everyone shares this point of view.
Comodo
The next notable program for removing viruses from a PC is produced under the Comodo brand. It is characterized by a high level of proactive PC protection. Equipped with a module for blocking unsafe connections - a firewall. True, it is not as strong as users note in terms of ensuring the protection of data entered using the browser. The program in question, according to many experts, has a rather complex interface. However, the fact that it is free and also has all the functions demanded by modern users determines its highest ratings from PC owners.
Norton
A program for removing viruses from a PC, produced under the Norton brand, is also among the most effective solutions. Its main advantage is its speed, accompanied by the highest level of protection for the operating system.
Another nuance that characterizes the antivirus software in question is that, as a rule, the user does not need to enter any settings manually. The program has very well-developed modules to ensure autonomous operation.
G Data
The next popular solution is produced under the G Data brand. Its main advantages are an exceptionally high level of threat detection using signature algorithms. This is determined by the fact that the program uses 2 anti-virus engines at once. However, this feature implies a fairly high load on computer resources.
Which antivirus is the best?
What is the best program for removing viruses from a computer on the Russian and global software markets? It can be noted that the solutions we reviewed are generally comparable both in functionality and in the quality of protecting your computer from virus threats. The fact that some of them are free does not predetermine a significant deterioration in the performance of the corresponding types of software in comparison with commercial products.
Thus, we have considered, in principle, the best programs for removing viruses from a computer, and the choice of a specific one will, rather, be predetermined by the subjective preferences of the user, as well as his financial capabilities. The main condition for proper use of their capabilities is installation separately.
We noted above that those programs that fall into the category of highly specialized, in principle, can be used in turn at the same time. Moreover, some of them do not actually require installation. As for antiviruses, it is highly undesirable to install them on your PC at the same time. This will significantly reduce the quality of work of each distribution, there will be false positives, and there will be an additional load on PC resources. In turn, highly specialized solutions and multifunctional antiviruses are in most cases quite compatible - they can be used simultaneously. It is possible that through sequential selection of combinations of antivirus and software adapted to remove specific types of malicious code, the user will identify the most optimal combination of programs, from the point of view of his own needs.
If a lot of unnecessary advertising materials appear in the browser, files disappear somewhere on the desktop, or other incomprehensible things happen, and the antivirus is powerless against them, a virus removal utility comes to the rescue.
This concept refers to a small program that simply finds and removes viruses and their remnants.
This is an inferior antivirus, such as Doctor Web or Kaspersky, but a small part of them that only scans the system and removes all malware.
Such utilities do not require installation and, most often, are distributed completely free of charge.
Some antivirus giants release such utilities so that users can fully appreciate the power of their software.
An example of these is the same Doctor Web and Kaspersky.
The first “giant” has this utility called , and the second one – .
These two programs are the most popular of their kind, but far from the most effective. But they are distributed for free!
Using their example, we can consider the main functions and features of viruses removal utilities.
And then we’ll move on to considering those programs that really work effectively against ad viruses and other unnecessary programs.
- Several ways: How to clean your computer from viruses absolutely free
No. 6. Dr.Web CureIt
No. 5. Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
There, by the way, you can download this very utility.
On the forums you can find reviews that Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool does not find most ad viruses, which Dr.Web CureIt easily copes with.
Some write that it takes a very long time to run and heavily loads the computer's memory.
Often it is simply impossible to run other programs in parallel with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool. Although, all Kaspersky products suffer from this.
In any case, although Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is the brainchild of one of the best antivirus products of our time, it does not have even a quarter of the power that Kaspersky antiviruses are famous for.
Therefore, it is better to use one of the utilities listed below.
No. 4. AdwCleaner
In any topic on the forums where free utilities for removing viruses are discussed, it will appear.
And this is not at all surprising, because many choose this particular program as an alternative to the popular ones.
Although, if you take all the many reviews and posts, then it can hardly be considered the most powerful of its kind. But AdwCleaner was created, as they say, with soul and for people.
After a standard and identical virus removal process for everyone, AdwCleaner shows recommendations on how to avoid similar problems in the future.
As for use, this healing utility is practically no different from the above-mentioned similar programs.
The AdwCleaner window is shown in Figure 4. All actions are concentrated in the section with the appropriate name (highlighted in the figure).
To start using it, you need to click the “Scan” button, and then wait until the end of the scan.
The “Results” section (located immediately below the “Actions” section) will contain the verification report.
There you can select all the threats found or some specific ones and click the “Delete” button.
Of course, the scanning and removal algorithms for all such programs are different, but the method of use is almost the same for all.
As for AdwCleaner, judging by the reviews people left on forums and social networks, this healing utility works better than Kaspersky and Doctor Web products.
There were cases when the same Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool did not find anything, but AdwCleaner found several dozen viruses and easily removed them from the computer.
No. 3. Anti-Malware
No. 1. HitmanPro
It's quite possible that HitmanPro will be our winner today!
At least, the reviews about this utility are so positive that it is quite possible to consider HitmanPro the most powerful of its kind to date.
Yes, the program is paid, but it has a trial period of 30 days. During this time, it is quite possible to completely clean the system of all kinds of viruses and never think about them again.
The very fact that HitmanPro removes not only existing viruses, but also the remnants of deleted programs and the so-called tails of viruses, already says a lot.
At the same time, the HitmanPro developers did not repeat the mistakes of the people who created Anti-Malware.
They did not choose to sacrifice the main function, i.e. virus removal, for the sake of a beautiful design and a wide range of additional functions.
We can say about HitmanPro that it is really powerful! In tests conducted by various sites, this particular utility performed best.
What other similar programs did not pay attention to, HitmanPro detected very quickly and immediately reported their existence.
By the way, if we talk about speed, this is another undeniable advantage of HitmanPro.
Thus, we can highlight the following main advantages of HitmanPro:
- Speed of operation (in this parameter HitmanPro is clearly better than all its current competitors);
- High-quality virus removal;
- High-quality detection of viruses and even their remnants.
The disadvantages of this utility are:
- Paid license (there is a trial period for 30 days);
- Minimum additional functions.
In principle, the choice between good virus removal and a beautiful interface is quite obvious.
Therefore, HitmanPro is the best virus removal utility and the winner of our today's competition.
Although very few people know about this program.
If the trial period has expired and there is no way to buy a license, Spybot Search & Destroy, Anti-Malware or the popular AdwCleaner can deal with viruses well.
But HitmanPro is still better!
More information about HitmanPro can be found in the video below.
Hello everyone, my dear friends and guests of my blog. As usual, Dmitry Kostin is with you, and today I would like to tell you about the best utilities for cleaning your computer from viruses. Not everyone installs bulky antivirus software that can provide constant real-time protection (or you just want to have additional protection at hand), so you can use one-time utilities. Let's take a closer look at them.
The free anti-virus utility from the famous company DrWeb is already known to most PC users, and there is nothing surprising in this, since it has proven itself for a long time. I already briefly looked at it when I reviewed it.
This program copes well with most viruses, and sometimes even with those that cannot be seen by full-fledged anti-virus systems.
Cure It is very easy to use, so no instructions are needed. All you need to do is download the utility to your hard drive or flash drive, run it and start scanning. All. Nothing complicated.
You can carry it with you on a flash drive and run any computers without installing the program. It is very convenient, especially since it does not conflict with other similar programs.
But of course there are also disadvantages. Having omitted all the disadvantages associated with constant protection and blocking of harmful Internet sites, it is worth saying that this utility is not updated. Therefore, in order to have the current version at hand, you will again have to go to official website and download the latest version.
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
Well, since we talked about Doctor Web, we can’t help but talk about another powerful antivirus company in the Russian Federation, namely Kaspersky Lab. Yes, this company also has its own utility created purely to scan your computer and remove infected files - Kaspersky Removal Tool.
But unlike the above Doctor Web, this utility does not work just like that (downloaded and launched). It must be installed on your hard drive. Well, again, this thing will not be updated by itself.
But if we take the positive aspects, then the utility is much less demanding on resources than full-fledged software that works in real time. Therefore, it is easily suitable for one-time cleaning of the system from infected files. Moreover, just as in the previous case, there are often cases when the Removal Tool finds such an infection. which a full-fledged antivirus program does not find.
Among other things, the program can also work in safe mode, which gives it a significant advantage. Well, it’s impossible not to mention that you can scan the entire interface and configure it so that upon completion the computer turns off automatically.
The utility is very simple to use. You don't have to think where to point and what to do. Come in, set your scanning locations and go! You can take it from official website.
AVZ
An excellent program for removing Trojans, worms, keyloggers, etc. This utility does not require installation, so you can copy it to a flash drive and use it at any time. You can download it by link.
After entering the program, you must select the scanning area, after which, in fact, you can begin the scan itself. The utility has proven itself and does its job quite well. In addition, flexible settings will allow you to implement this program for yourself and your needs.
Also, be careful if you use a program like Puntoswitcher, as AVZ can easily recognize it as a keylogger and remove it. In this case, you can add this program to the exception.
This is not a malware removal utility per se, but it is designed to get rid of various advertising viruses (pop-up windows, self-opening casino tabs, etc.). I talked more about working with her in. It is absolutely simple to operate. No settings needed. Just press “Scan” and sit back.
The program is completely free and does its job perfectly. At least she has never let me down (pah-pah-pah). You can take it from here.
Of course, these are not all worthy candidates in this regard, but I would recommend starting the check with them, since they have really been showing their competence in this matter for a long time, thereby helping to cure a huge number of computers from various infections.
Well, this is where I end my article. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog updates and share the article on social networks. Well, I'm waiting for you at my place again. Good luck to you. Bye bye!
Best regards, Dmitry Kostin.
Surely, many have encountered this problem: you want to remove an intrusive program, but it either is not removed, or appears again after a reboot, or simply does not appear in the list of installed software and it is not clear how to eradicate all its components. In this article, we will tell you how to completely clean your system of traces of any annoying, unwanted or malicious program.
- check the correctness of the DNS settings and correct them if necessary:
- clear DNS cache with command ipconfig /flushdns ;
- check the contents of the hosts file and, if necessary;
- check the route table and if necessary;
- perform a system check using .
Correcting shortcuts
Carefully review the paths in your browser shortcuts. If they contain a postscript in the form of an unwanted site, erase it. If you doubt the correctness of the paths, it is better to destroy the shortcut and then create it again or reinstall the browser.
Below you can see an example of a shortcut modified by malware. Firstly, it refers to a batch file, and not to an exe file, as it should. Secondly, the line contains the address of a dubious site. Thirdly, the working folder is not the one that this browser should have:
Searching for malicious tasks in the scheduler
Open your scheduler and view your tasks. If you find an incomprehensible task that runs an unknown file, say from AppData\local\, feel free to delete it:
It is very convenient to work with tasks in CCleaner. Open . If you find a suspicious task, kill it:
After eliminating malware or unwanted software, it is also recommended to:
This is a very relevant topic these days. removal of malware and viral advertising. Today on the Internet it is very easy to pick up an infection that embeds advertising in the browser, downloads and installs unnecessary programs, sets an unknown search engine by default, or sets the site to autorun. Often all this occurs together. On this page we will tell you about the best utilities for removing malware, viruses, and advertisements in the form of pop-ups and annoying sites.
AdwCleaner
Anti-Malware
Anti-Malware (mbam). Program for removing advertising, malware, viruses, Trojans.
It has an absolutely working free version that can be used forever without any trial periods, registrations or activations. The only difference from the paid license is that the free version does not provide real-time protection at all times. You can only scan the system on demand.
Anti-Malware successfully removes viruses, trojans, malware, and potentially unwanted programs. But it may miss some relatively harmless things like adware extensions, which AdwCleaner detects and removes more successfully.
HitmanPro
HitmanPro - tool for removing malware, adware, winlockers
HitmanPro is renowned for its versatility and meticulousness. This utility uses two cloud antivirus engines to search for malware - Kaspersky and Bitdefender. Therefore, it finds even the newest threats. In my practice, there were cases when HitmanPro removed malicious programs that were able to recover independently after being removed by other antiviruses. The program has also proven itself well in removing Winlockers.
Contains a special tool, HitmanPro Kickstart, which allows you to disinfect the system if Windows is not working (for example, it does not boot or is blocked by ransomware). We learn how to create bootable media with HitmanPro Kickstart.
However, this utility is third on the list because it only works for free for 30 days. If the trial period has ended, then you can use HitmanPro on this computer only by purchasing a license and nothing else.
HijackThis
A good utility from a well-known antivirus software manufacturer, TrendMicro. Created to clean browsers from hijackers. To use the utility, it is very desirable to have basic knowledge of what an extension, add-on, bho, hosts is. Inexperienced users can also use the program, but you should mark for deletion only those lines where a malicious element is clearly displayed - for example, the address of a hijacking site that you are tired of in your browser.
Resume
I would also like to say that it is not always possible to remove malware using programs. This is especially true for traces of activity: when the malicious program itself has already been removed and there is no infection on the computer, consequences such as corrupted browser shortcuts with incorrect paths, batch files that open an unwanted site, registry values written by malware that open the site may remain. when loading. Quite often such things have to be cleaned by hand. For example, if the shortcut is completely changed, then no utility will help to return it. Therefore, in particularly severe cases, you will have to use manual shortcut correction.
