1. If you are getting pop-up windows and your virus scanner does not detect it or is not functioning, press and hold the CTRL, ALT and DELETE keys on your keyboard all at the same time. The task manager should pop up in just a few seconds in XP, in Vista you will get a login window that will give you the “Start Task Manager” option at the bottom. Start the Task Manager, click on the Processes tab and find the process that is consuming the most resources under the CPU area. Highlight this process, right click and select END PROCESS TREE. Do this for all processes that are using more than 15% in the CPU area. If the pop up windows disappear immediately run a virus scan or search for Malware. Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is good for crippling Malware that damages the system files. If you suspect a Malware or Spyware infection, you can attempt a System Restore, before running the Malicious Software Removal Tool, but most Viral infections will contaminate the restore files, so in the case of Virus, restore efforts are usually fruitless. If you get a blue screen, an instant restart, a warning stating that the task manager has been disabled by the system administrator or the killed process immediately restarts, then the problem may be beyond the scope of the average user. Log any errors, shut the computer down disconnect it from power and call.
2. A clicking internal or external hard drive may be early signs of a disk failure. Especially if you are getting sudden restarts or blue screens often called the (BSOD). There are however other possible causes for intermittent drive clicking. They can range from failing drive controllers to failing power supplies. If you are experiencing these symptoms and the drive is still operational, DO NOT WAIT! Back up your data immediately, starting with your most important files and working your way to the least important. Drives have a strange tendency to fail at the most inconvenient times, so it is important to start with the most important files. If your drive is new or you are having problems backing up your data, then shut the computer down, unplug it from the power supply and call.
3. NEVER give personal or credit card information to any pop up that begins to show on your desktop offering you to go away if you purchase it or informing you that your subscription has expired unless you are certain of what it is. Many Trojan and Malware products use this method of infiltration to steal money from unsuspecting users.

4. Never disable your Antivirus or Firewall software, even if it is causing you an annoyance. This software is there to protect you from the millions of prying eyes that are out there watching. While these products are active, you are protected, turn them off and you are asking for trouble. If your Firewall or Antivirus product quits responding or suddenly shuts down on its own, disconnect your computer from the internet immediately. Most will now use a standard LAN connection, so you can find the large wire that resembles a telephone cord (but larger) in the back of your computer and disconnect it. Turn off or restart the computer and see if the Firewall/Antivirus software returns to functioning normally. If it does, then you may reconnect your computers internet connection. If the Firewall/Antivirus software does not function or you have trouble restarting, turn off the computer and call.
5. Never open an e-mail attachment from an unknown source or an attachment that contains random numbers or letters as its filename. i.e.: 4jmksl1jj.zip or mjp56kjs.exe. These types of files are almost always randomly generated file names mailed by a background Trojan or Malware infection. If you receive a file of this nature from a known source, then you should confirm that they actually sent it to you. If they did not, inform them that they may have a virus on their system, BUT DO NOT OPEN THE FILE. Delete the mail and its attachments immediately.
6. If your internet connection suddenly slows down, experiences strange happenings or your homepage has changed without notice, follow these steps:

a) Make careful note of all software and hardware that has been installed in the last few days.
b) Open your internet browser and under TOOLS>MANAGE ADD ONS disable any TOOLBAR software that you do not use.
c) Restart the computer and then Restart the router. (DO NOT RESET YOUR ROUTER).
d) If you have problems with any of these steps or are unsure how to execute them, shut the system down, unplug it from the power and call.

9. WHY DO WE RECOMMEND THESE SEEMINGLY CRAZY STEPS? One of the most important factors when dealing with today’s electronic offenders is time frame. We want to reduce the amount of damage that a malicious payload can cause. When a computer is not shut down completely, but only enters into a Standby mode, devices such as a mouse or LAN activity can bring the system out of Standby without your knowledge. Since most Trojans will attempt to remotely control your system and internet activity qualifies as LAN activity, both of these criteria can be easily met, so we always recommend unplugging the system. Home networks many times have simple file sharing enabled by default, allowing a very aggressive virus a new avenue of attack and widening the damage that it can cause, so we recommend disconnecting all clients from the router or shutting the router off completely if you believe your system may be compromised. Many Trojans and Keyloggers seek to grab valuable password, user name, social security and account number information in order to steal your money, your identity or open new lines of credit in your name, so we recommend not executing electronic transactions online if you believe your system is infected. The faster you detect infection the more you can do about it. If you have made online purchases, payments or if you have even logged into your online banking system during the time that your computer was infected, call your banking or financial institutions immediately. DO NOT WAIT. Place temporary verification on your account, so that the bank has to call you to verify all charges. The quicker you notify them, the less reason they will have not to grant you amnesty of any fraudulent charges. Change your banking passwords or usernames immediately.
10. If you follow the simple steps outlined above you and your computer will be much happier with far fewer service calls. In the event that you do happen to need service or doubt the security of your system, then you know who to call. Thank you for considering PC VICE.