How can I tell if my computer has a virus?

[senecaman1]

I received one of the messages going around on facebook about a youtube video that is actually and accidentally clicked it. My computer went to the website and Norton recognized the threats and I closed the page immediately. I'm not sure if the virus got into my computer. Is there anyway to tell without doing a full scan of my computer?

[purringshow281]

A full computer scan is actually going to be the second-easiest method, aside from doing a partial computer scan. Usually, when you visit a site that your anti-virus says is a threat, then leave immediately, you got away safe. All you can really do now, is perform a partial or full (I recommend full) computer scan with your AV and pay attention for any suspicious behavior on your computer, such as your AV randomly saying a program is trying to gain access to the internet.

-Update-

I just realized - If pop-ups begin to appear and say that your computer is massively infected by viruses, trojans, etc. DO NOT follow the provided links to download a virus-removal tool. This means a virus did get onto your computer. This has happened to my father 3 times and my immediate response was to pull the power plug, then boot up and run a complete system scan with the AV software. This method has worked each time.

[GNTHR]

Things popping up, Startup taking forever. Windows opening and closing on there own.

Download and install Avast Free Edition and leave it on the pc. it's an ACTIVE, 24/7 scanning anti-virus. Very effective.

Also download and run something called Malware Bytes. From Malwarebytes.org It's the best anti virus and malware removing I've ever used.

Good luck!

[Timothy]

Check the computer if any notice that your computer slow, program won't work, crash, or something that is not right.

You have to full scan your computer because some virus can make user unnoticeable. I recommend to scan it.

[marcus]

if you start getting them popups telling you that your infected and to download some removal tool, do not do it . when the popup shows up hit alt F4 keys several times until it goes away and then go to tools internet options \ content \ auto complete \ delete auto complete history . delete the temp files and then reboot and scan your computer with full scan .

[TechnoholicGeek]

After you open and run an infected program or attachment on your computer, you might not realize that you've introduced a virus until you notice something isn't quite right.

Here are some signs that your system might be infected:

· Runs consistently more slowly than normal.

· Stops responding or locks up often.

· Crashes and restarts every few minutes.

· Restarts on its own and then fails to run normally.

· Applications don’t work properly.

· Disks or disk drives are inaccessible.

· Printing doesn’t work correctly.

· You see unusual error messages.

· You see distorted menus and dialog boxes

Keep running the virus-scanning software until your computer comes up clean.