Ive got a virus! What should I do?

• Don't act in haste. Resist the urge to panic and switch the machine off; it won't do anything to solve the problem.
  
  
• Follow the on-screen advice. Your security software, having detected potential virus activity, will often automatically delete the suspect files, and then suggest you run a complete scan to ensure there aren't other infections. Simply follow the instructions given.
  
  
• If you're not sure what to do, call a support line. A good security package will offer telephone support to help guide you through particularly difficult tasks. Ring and explain your problem.
  
  
• Disconnect from the Internet. If you're on hold or waiting for an expert to turn up, disconnect your machine from the Internet. That way, the infection won't be able to spread to other computers.
  
  
• If you don't have Internet security software installed... Disconnect from the Internet and turn off the PC, then either:
  
  Buy security software, reboot your PC and install the software. It will scan your system as it loads; or
  
  If you don't want to buy and install Internet security software, you can restart your PC, reformat your hard drive, and restore your data from back-up files.