Can I do a 'system restore' to get rid of virus / malware?

Question

Hi,

My computer may have gotten a virus/ bug / malware. If it did, could I use "system restore" to go back to a point before the malware? And then would the malware be gone / problem solved?

I see that I can go back to Jan 26 (before the possible infection). I am willing to do that if it solves things.

Thank you in advance.!

Answer 1

Oh thank you Sumit! I think I understand: Since the ESET program you describe runs from a USB drive, then it would not conflict with my SuperAntispyware.

And yes, I am not running SuperANtispyware all the time, I just do occasional quick and full scans. So it sounds like I am OK there.

I read the ESET SysRescue page and some reviews. I think I will do that tomorrow. But one of the reviews said ESET SysRescue might be a little high level and novices (like me) might not do all the settings right. So if yo have any tips about the settings, I'd be grateful. Thanks again!

Answer 2

Hi,

ESET program is not a program that gets installed - it would run from your USB drive independent of the OS. I don't recommend a 3rd party AV Software to run as full time in your computer. However, Super antispyware is good.

Answer 3

Thank you Sumit. I appreciate it! I have a follow up question here: do you know if I can have the ESET product you mention and also have SuperAntiSpyware (free edition) which I run on that computer? (I also run Windows Defender).

Thanks in advance!

Answer 4

To get rid of virus/malware run Windows Defender and Malwarebytes.

Answer 5

Hi SME,

I am Sumit, an Independent Advisor and a 3 year Windows Insider MVP here to help.

This is not how a malware infection works :)

I suggest you to scan your computer with an offline scanner like ESET Sysrescue:

https://www.eset.com/in/support/sysrescue/

Let us know how that goes.