- Don't panic! This is the golden rule, and it could save you from losing important data and from a lot of frustration.
- Disconnect your computer from the Internet or local network, if it is on one.
- If you cannot boot from the computer's hard drive (the computer displays an error message when you turn it on), try booting in safe mode or with the emergency Windows boot disk that you created when you installed the operating system on the computer.
- Before doing anything else, back up your work on removable storage media (floppy, CD, flash drive, etc.).
- Install Active Virus Shield, if you have not done so already.
- Update the program's threat signatures. If possible, get the updates from an uninfected computer. It is better to use a different computer, because when you connect to the Internet with an infected computer, there is a chance that the virus will send important information to hackers or spread the virus to others. The best thing to do, when you suspect a virus, is to immediately disconnect from the Internet. You can also get threat signature updates on a floppy disk or other removable storage device.
