I accidentally downloaded a Trojan virus and I'm struggling to remove it. Although I've received emails about my accounts potentially being breached, I still have access to everything. I even factory reset my PC, but the issue seems to persist. I'm unsure if the breach emails started before or after the reset. Can anyone provide some guidance on what I should do next?
3 Answers
If you're worried about a virus on your system, definitely perform a full reinstallation of Windows. Don’t just factory reset – that's often not enough. Use a USB drive created from a different computer. Disconnect your PC from the internet, boot from the USB, and do a fresh install. Just be cautious of any links in emails about breaches; they could be fishing attempts. It might also be a good idea to check if your BIOS needs an update.
You can look for signs like strange pop-ups or inconsistent system behavior.
It's a good idea to be wary of those emails. They might just be phishing attempts. If you're getting multiple notifications about breaches, take it as a warning and change your passwords for those accounts ASAP. Also, consider setting up two-factor authentication for added security. A clean reinstall of Windows might be the best long-term solution here, especially since it's a Trojan, which can be particularly tricky to remove.
Should I buy a new hard drive or just reinstall Windows?
A new hard drive could be an extra security measure if you're really concerned, but it shouldn't be necessary if you do a clean install.
Email notifications about breaches might not mean the virus is still on your machine. Sometimes those emails are just scams. But if you think you still have the Trojan, running a full scan with Windows Defender could help. If you've already done that and it's not showing up, consider getting a second opinion with another antivirus software.
If you're still receiving those emails, changing your passwords immediately is critical!
I’ve scanned a few times but it's still happening. What's my next step?
How do I know if it's still on my machine?