Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more

    Can antivirus software 'cure' my sick computer?

    Published: May 25, 2015 08:00 AM

    Find Ratings

    Q. If my computer already has a virus, are the antivirus software programs that you recommend good, or is there another way to clean it up?—Charles Jeannel, Los Angeles


    A. Some computer viruses can limit your ability to properly install and run protection software. If you want to try to eliminate existing bugs, we recommend downloading and running the free Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanner. If necessary, you can download it on another computer, then transfer over the program using a USB flash drive.

    For more on preventing viruses, check our security software buying guide and Ratings and find out how much security software you really need.

    Send your questions to ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.

    Editor's Note:

    This article also appeared in the July 2015 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.


    Find Ratings

    Antivirus Software Ratings

    View and compare all Antivirus Software ratings.

    E-mail Newsletters

    FREE e-mail Newsletters! Choose from cars, safety, health, and more!
    Already signed-up?
    Manage your newsletters here too.

    Electronics News

    Cars

    Cars Build & Buy Car Buying Service
    Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.

    See your savings

    Mobile

    Mobile Get Ratings on the go and compare
    while you shop

    Learn more