Protect and Clean your Computer

If your computer cannot access the Internet, use a computer that CAN connect to print out these instructions and download files to a CD or memory stick.

Please complete ALL Steps.

These basic steps will remove viruses and most spyware from your computer. Some infections are so embedded that additional expertise may be needed to remove them manually.   If after following these instructions, your computer still exhibits signs of infection, you may be required to make an appointment with IT-User Services to clean your system for a charge. Please direct questions to the IT Help Center at 831-6000.

1.  Activate the Windows XP firewall.
 

2.  Use up-to-date McAfee Anti-Virus Software.

• Remove any virus and security software
   
• Run Disk Cleanup to delete temporary files.
   
• Install UD McAfee.
   
• Scan for viruses.
   

3.  Remove & protect against Spyware.

• What is Spyware?
   
• Removing Spyware.
   
• Preventing Spyware.
   
• Think you have an AIM virus?
   

4.  Secure your wireless access.

• Wireless security risks.
   
• Using Personal NAT Routers in UD Residence Halls.
   
• Lock down your personal wireless access point.
   

5.  Update your Computer with the latest Security Patches

• Update Windows / Microsoft software and configure future automatic updating.
   

6.  Setup Desktop Security.

• Remove Peer-to-Peer File-Sharing programs.
   
• Password-protect all accounts on your computer.
   
• Disable the Guest account.
   
• Disable unnecessary System services.
   
• Reset Internet Explorer browser security settings to default.
   
• Disable File and Print Sharing.
   

Ongoing Maintenance Tasks

• After cleaning your computer, the following tasks should be completed WEEKLY to KEEP your computer clean.
  • Run Disk Cleanup.
  • Remove and Prevent Spyware.
  • Backup Important Data.
• The following tasks are now set to run automatically:
  • Windows Operating System Updates.
  • UD McAfee will update daily and scan weekly for viruses.
• See Application Critical Security Updates for how to obtain critical security updates for popular programs like Microsoft Office, AIM, etc.

Documentation Reference

• UD's Code of the Web
• Responsible Use of the Campus Network
• Security 101 for Windows computers.
• Microsoft's Schedule a Task to Defragment your drive or Maintaining Your Windows XP-based PC.