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Does an anti-virus program get rid of a virus or just prevent more from attacking?

I used to have Symantec Anti-Virus and it worked well, but my subscription ran out and now I have a virus. It has caused my Add/Remove Programs buttons to disappear so I can't uninstall anything, and now it's wiping files out of my registry. I have Windows XP, if that's important. So if I get an anti-virus program now, will it try to get my existing virus out of my computer?

Public Comments

1. in an ideal world, it both removes and protects. but without updated virus definitions (available through having a subscription) the software will be unable to detect the signatures of more recent viruses and you'll only be protected against older viruses - although you have an antivirus program it'd be outdated.
2. When your subscription runs out, it still works but does not download new updates and security fixes. Therefore, the instructions on how to remove that certain virus may be in the new updates (which you couldn't download). If you buy or download a new antivirus program, it's supposed to remove existing viruses, but it's not a promise. You can download AVG Antivirus for free at www.download.com to see if that can find and remove it.
3. it will scan and delete ones it finds and real time protection will scan as its written to the hardrive (prevent them in other words). So yes get another one and it will find and remove it. It may have already damaged some stuff and you may need to reinstall still
4. Absolutely DO NOT install an antivirus program when you KNOW you have a virus. Go to http://trendmicro.com and run "housecall" right now! it's free it works and has the most current virus definitions around. AFTER the virus has been irradicated, find a free antivirus solution or go ahead and buy PCcillan from trenmicro. It's very good and not very invasive.
5. dang!! ur computer will be worthless in the minute, if it isn't already. yes u need a antivirus quick fast and in a hurry. if the virus is wiping files, u can get ready to buy another computer. please invest in antivirus software. u can't go without it no time these days. who do u have internet service through? they typically have antivirus software u can load on ur computer. i suggest u look up a few free virus virus removers. one i know u can try is "mcafee avert stinger" http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/. thats the download page.
6. most virus are spread through IE. IE is not a safe browser. you should use a more secure browser to protect your PC from virus. i recommand you to use firefox with Google toolbar. firefox can block any any popup and disable any virus and adware, spyware on webpage, so, firefox is much safer than IE browser. as you know, most of virus spread throught internet and webpage. besides, firefox is much smaller than IE, so it run faster than IE. download firefox for free, Just have a try: http://www.securebrowser.info/firefox/ Good Luck !!!
7. check out http://sumiram2006.googlepages.com/combatproblems It not only gives complete solutions but also offers free downloads of effective softwares which can detect and eliminate all spy ware /virus /ad ware /Trojans completely.