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General discussion

So I get a virus...

Jun 16, 2004 12:32AM PDT

So I get a virus. And it infects a file. And for whatever reason I have to delete the file manually. It goes to my recycle bin and I then empty my recycle bin. Is the virus completely gone from my computer? Or is it "somewhere" where it can possibly still do damage?
Oh, and by the way, I did that thing with the EICAR.COM virus test that Grif suggested, even sent it to myself. Everything was working perfectly. Purty neat. Thanks Grif.

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So your got rid of a virus...
Jun 16, 2004 4:30AM PDT
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Well.......
Jun 16, 2004 6:16AM PDT

....the simple answer is YES, and that's assuming you did exactly as you have listed, and the virus executable file itself is also deleted, then you should be fine. That's also assuming that you didn't restart the computer while the virus was on the machine and it was saved in the "System Restore" volume on Windows XP or ME. An infected file in the "System Restore" volumes isn't a real danger UNLESS you decide to restore the computer back to an earlier date, at which point, the virus could become active again. If the virus was saved in "System Restore", then temporarily disabling System Restore and running a second scan of the computer should clean things out.

I know I'm making this a little more complicated than you wanted, but viruses can take many forms. If the infected file is detected immediately when it downloads to the computer and nothing was executed, then deleting the file will normally take care of things. Unfortunately, if the virus is able to execute itself, then it can place a number of infected files on the machine and even cause your onboard antivirus program to stop functioning.

As Bob said above, make sure to get a "second opinion" from one of the free online scanner such as "Housecall", "Panda", etc.

Hope this helps.

Grif