University of Kent

• Please disconnect your computer from the Kent network (if you are on the study bedroom network, unplug the network cable).
• Open your anti-virus software (eg, Microsoft Security Essentials) and run a virus scan (download a free anti-virus program if you don't have one).
• Refer to your anti-virus software help pages for virus removal instructions.

There are many reasons why this could happen, here are the most common reasons you can investigate:

• your PC is infected with Spyware: you should run a Spyware scan to check this.
• your computer is infected with a virus: check that you are using the latest version of your anti-virus software, and run a scan.
• having two anti-virus programs installed: if so you must remove one of the ant-virus programs. You may need to use safe mode if the computer will not load the operating system: restart the computer and tap the F8 key until a white menu appears on a black background. Choose the first option from the list 'Safe Mode'.

All Student PCs and Staff Managed Desktops on campus already have Microsoft Forefront installed, and are automatically updated with the latest virus definitions.

If you want to use your own computer to connect to the Kent network, you must have up-to-date anti virus software. The University recommends Microsoft Security Essentials (which is free) for computers running Windows, or ClamXav for Macs.

 

Removing software is usually done by clicking Start, Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs (Programs and Features in Windows 7 or Vista), then selecting the software to remove and clicking Remove. There may be several components to remove and they must all be removed for a full uninstall.

• Have you got an anti-virus program? If so, open it and choose to run a scan. If not, install Microsoft Security Essentials and run a scan once installed.
• If you have Malwarebytes on your PC, open this program and run a scan for adware and sypware. If not, install Malwarebytes

Note: Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes should not be installed on University-owned equipment due to licensing issues. Staff needing advice on anti-virus software should contact Helpdesk.

Most anti-virus software will update automatically: check whether automatic updates are enabled. If the software fails to update automatically, then the updates can be downloaded from the vendors' website in most cases.