Is Your Computer Acting Strange?
Your computer has been slow lately. Pop-ups keep appearing. Programs crash for no reason. Sound familiar? These could be signs your computer has a virus or malware infection, and ignoring them only makes things worse.
At Computer Store KS in Topeka, we handle virus removal every week. Here are the warning signs we tell our customers to watch for, and what you should do if you spot them.
Common Signs Your Computer Has a Virus
#### 1. Sudden Slowdowns
If your computer was running fine last week and now takes forever to open programs or load web pages, malware could be eating up your system resources in the background.
What to check:
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
- Look at the Processes tab
- Sort by CPU or Memory usage
- Unknown programs using high resources are suspicious
#### 2. Pop-Ups Everywhere
Legitimate software rarely bombards you with pop-ups. If you're seeing:
- Ads on your desktop
- Browser pop-ups you can't close
- Fake "Your computer is infected!" warnings
- Redirects to strange websites
These are classic signs of adware or scareware infections.
#### 3. Programs You Didn't Install
Check your installed programs list. If you see software you don't remember installing, malware may have added it. Common culprits include:
- Browser toolbars
- "System optimizer" tools
- Unknown antivirus programs
- Random games or utilities
#### 4. Your Browser Has Been Hijacked
Browser hijacking is one of the most common malware symptoms:
- Your homepage changed without your permission
- Default search engine switched to something unfamiliar
- New toolbars or extensions appeared
- Searches redirect to odd websites
#### 5. Unusual Network Activity
Malware often communicates with external servers:
- Internet feels slower than usual
- Data usage spikes unexpectedly
- Your router activity light blinks constantly even when idle
- Emails sent from your account that you didn't write
#### 6. Antivirus Is Disabled
Some malware specifically targets your security software. If your antivirus suddenly won't open, can't update, or has been turned off, take that very seriously.
#### 7. Files Are Missing or Changed
Ransomware and destructive malware can:
- Encrypt your files (you'll see strange extensions like .locked or .encrypted)
- Delete documents or photos
- Change file names
- Create new files you didn't make
What to Do If You Suspect an Infection
Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet
Pull the Ethernet cable or turn off Wi-Fi. This prevents the malware from spreading or sending your data to attackers.
Step 2: Enter Safe Mode
1. Restart your computer
2. Press Shift while clicking Restart (Windows 10/11)
3. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
4. Press 4 for Safe Mode with Networking
Step 3: Run a Full Scan
Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware tool:
- Windows Defender (built into Windows, actually quite good)
- Malwarebytes (free version catches what others miss)
- HitmanPro (excellent second-opinion scanner)
Run full scans, not quick scans. This takes longer but checks everything.
Step 4: Remove Detected Threats
Follow your security software's recommendations to quarantine or remove threats. Restart when prompted.
Step 5: Change Your Passwords
After cleaning the infection, change passwords for:
- Email accounts
- Banking and financial sites
- Social media
- Any site where you store payment info
Use a different, clean device if possible.
How to Prevent Future Infections
Prevention is always easier than removal:
1. Keep Windows updated - Security patches fix vulnerabilities
2. Use reputable antivirus - Windows Defender plus Malwarebytes is a solid free combo
3. Don't click suspicious links - In emails, texts, or social media
4. Download software from official sources - Not random websites
5. Use strong, unique passwords - A password manager helps
6. Enable two-factor authentication - Especially for email and banking
7. Back up your data - So ransomware can't hold you hostage
When to Get Professional Help
Some infections are stubborn. Bring your computer to us if:
- You've tried scanning but problems persist
- Your computer won't boot normally
- Ransomware has encrypted your files
- You suspect someone has access to your accounts
- You're not comfortable removing malware yourself
Our Virus Removal Service
At Computer Store KS, our virus removal process includes:
- Full diagnostic to identify all threats
- Complete malware removal using professional tools
- System optimization after cleanup
- Security hardening to prevent reinfection
- Data recovery if files were affected
We see computers from across the Topeka area with malware issues. Most can be cleaned and returned the same day.
Don't Ignore the Signs
The longer malware stays on your computer, the more damage it does. If something feels off, trust your instincts and get it checked. A quick diagnosis now can prevent identity theft, data loss, or a completely bricked computer later.
Think your computer might be infected? Bring it to Computer Store KS for a professional diagnosis and cleaning.