Viruses: Causes of Data Loss

In this article, we delve into the impact of viruses on data loss and explore essential tips for safeguarding your information. From understanding common virus types to implementing robust cybersecurity measures, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to protect yourself against data loss due to viral infections.

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How to Delete Any Viruses: Trojan, Rootkit, Ransomware, Spyware For Sure ☣️🛡️💻

How to Delete Any Viruses: Trojan, Rootkit, Ransomware, Spyware For Sure ☣️🛡️💻

What Is a Virus and Symptoms Of Infestation

A virus is a self-copying program. Yet if the only thing it did was copying itself, it would not be so difficult to fight them. Some viruses can exist without interfering with the users, up to a certain moment. Only when the time is right, they start acting – blocking access to certain websites, delete information and files or damage data. To cut the long story short, they prevent the PC from working correctly.

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How to Clean Your Computer or Laptop with Windows 10, 8 or 7 From Viruses for Free 🔥🕷️💻

Any computer begins to work in an unsteady manner when it is infested by viruses. In fact, the symptoms are very numerous, and sometimes the user has no idea of having a virus in his PC. One should be warned and scan your PC with an antivirus if you encounter the following things:

  • Slower performance.
  • Files do not open, some of them become damaged. Especially it applies to programs because viruses tend to affect .exe and .com files more often.
  • Reduced performance of programs, services, failures and errors in applications.
  • Blocked access to webpages.
  • Blocking of Windows OS, requests to send an SMS for unblocking.
  • Loss of passwords to access various resources (that is what Trojans usually do – but after all, these can be classified as viruses, too).

This list is not comprehensive, but if you have at least one symptom the chances for virus attack are quite high.

How to Delete a Virus From Computer

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How to Delete a File That Can’t Be Deleted Because of Write Protection or Denied Access 📁🔥🤔

A “Common” Virus

When we say common we mean the virus is not going to block your access to work within OS Windows.

To begin with, install one of antivirus utilities.

The scan is going to take quite a long time, and it is better not to run any parallel processes because an antivirus program often blocks some files during its work. After the scan is complete and viruses are removed, reboot your PC. Then install a popular antivirus program and run a complete scan on your computer again.

A Virus Blocking Windows

The main problem with the viruses of this type is that you cannot work in the operating system. That is, to cure your PC you need to have either another PC or disks you have created in advance. If worst comes to worst, you can ask your friends or acquaintances for help.

First of all, try loading the system in the safe mode with command prompt (this loading option will appear if you press F8 while your PC is loading – and it is better if you press it several times).

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How to Boot Windows 10 in Safe Mode (All Methods) 👨‍💻⚙️🛠️

If the PC booted successfully, enter “explorer” in the command prompt and press Enter.

Viruses: Causes of Data Loss

Then go to the Start menu, type “msconfig” in the Run menu and press Enter.

run: msconfig

This system utility helps you to see everything which your computer loads automatically. Now disable everything!

Then reboot the PC. If you were able to enter the OS, then install the antivirus and scan all disks and files for viruses.

If you cannot reboot the PC in safe mode, you will have to use a Live CD. This is a special boot disk which you can use to scan the HDD for viruses (and remove them if any are found), copy data from HDD to other devices.

After booting from Live CD you can start scanning the hard disk. As a rule (if any viruses are found), such scanning allows removing the most widespread kinds of viruses which you cannot delete in any other way.

This is why in the beginning of this chapter we mentioned the fact that you will need another PC to cure the first one (because you cannot record a disk with an infected PC). It is recommended to have such a disk in your collection!

After antiviral treatment with Live CD, reboot your computer and install a full-fledged antivirus software, update it and run a complete system scan.

In any case, it should be a must to have at least one antivirus on your computer (+ we strongly recommend a setup disk with Windows and a Live CD for situations when you need to remove viruses).

Recovery of Data Damaged By Viruses

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How to Recover Deleted Files from a USB Drive after Formatting the Drive or a Virus Attack 📁🔥⚕️

How to Recover Deleted Files from a USB Drive after Formatting the Drive or a Virus Attack 📁🔥⚕️

Unfortunately, there is often a situation when it is possible to remove viruses from the computer but the data on the hard disk appears to be damaged, deleted or unreadable because of activities of some malware.

Such situation may seem irreparable. However, there is a good way to recover data even under such circumstances – data recovery software.

In particular, with the help of Hetman Partition Recovery you can recover data damaged or blocked as a result of virus attacks. As it has been said before, viruses and Trojans as well as other malware, delete information purposefully or make it unreadable by modifying or deleting system structures on the disk. However, this utility includes a series of innovative algorithms that successfully extract data from infected disks.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

What does it mean? If an operating system in your disk is blocked and cannot be loaded, and you can’t clean the hard disk from viruses properly, or after cleaning and rebooting your PC you face a loss of data – connect this disk to another computer and scan it with Hetman Partition Recovery. The program will find your files and save them to a safe location.

run: msconfig

Conclusions. In any case, it is easier to prevent the threat of infestation than to try hard while removing the virus. There is a list of things you can do to reduce the risk to a minimum:

  • Install an antivirus program and update it regularly.
  • Update Windows OS. After all, its developers provide critical updates for a reason.
  • Do not download doubtful keys and trainers for games.
  • Do not install doubtful software.
  • Do not open mail attachments from senders whom you don’t know.
  • Backup important and necessary files regularly

Even this simple advice will protect you from 99% of possible problems.

I wish you luck in removing all viruses form your computer without losing your data.

Vladimir Artiukh

Author: , Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: , Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are viruses, and how do they affect computer systems?

    A virus is a type of malicious software (malware) that is designed to replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. It can cause damage to computer systems by deleting files, corrupting data, or even taking control of the system. Viruses can be spread through email attachments, downloads, or even just by visiting a website. They can also be spread through removable media such as USB drives, CDs, and DVDs.

  • How can viruses lead to the loss of important data on a computer?

    Viruses can lead to the loss of important data on a computer by corrupting or deleting files, corrupting the operating system, or overwriting the hard drive. Viruses can also spread from one computer to another, allowing them to access and delete files on other computers.

  • What are some common signs of a virus infection on a computer system?
    1. Sluggish performance and frequent crashes.
    2. Unfamiliar programs or toolbars appearing on your desktop.
    3. Unexpected pop-up windows and advertisements.
    4. Unusual activity on your network or Internet connection.
    5. Your files, folders, or drives suddenly become inaccessible.
    6. Your computer starts to run more slowly than usual.
    7. Unauthorized changes to your system settings.
    8. Your computer starts to display strange error messages.
    9. Your antivirus program is disabled without your knowledge.
    10. Your computer starts to generate a large number of spam emails.
  • Can a virus infect a computer even if it has an antivirus program installed?

    Yes, it is possible for a virus to infect a computer even if an antivirus program is installed. Antivirus programs are designed to detect and remove known threats, but they cannot protect against unknown or newly created viruses. It is important to keep your antivirus program up-to-date and to practice safe computing habits in order to reduce the risk of infection.

  • What are some effective ways to prevent viruses from infecting a computer system?
    1. Install and regularly update antivirus software.
    2. Use a firewall to block malicious traffic from entering the system.
    3. Install patches and updates for operating systems and applications as soon as they become available.
    4. Disable unnecessary services and applications that can be used as entry points for viruses.
    5. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for all accounts.
    6. Educate users about safe online practices, such as avoiding suspicious websites and links.
    7. Regularly back up important data to an external drive or cloud storage.
    8. Scan all removable media before use.
    9. Use a virtual machine to isolate potentially malicious programs.
    10. Use a VPN to encrypt internet traffic and protect against malicious actors.

Comments (12)

  • Elmer Tyler
    Elmer Tyler 21.07.2016 05:59 #
    Are there any legal consequences for those who create and distribute computer viruses?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 21.07.2016 06:28 #
      Yes, there are legal consequences for those who create and distribute computer viruses. Depending on the jurisdiction, those who create and distribute computer viruses can face criminal charges, including fines and/or imprisonment. Additionally, those who create and distribute computer viruses may be subject to civil lawsuits, which can lead to significant financial penalties.
      Reply
  • Norman Wrigley
    Norman Wrigley 21.07.2016 02:02 #
    How can users ensure that their important data is backed up to prevent loss in case of a virus infection?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 21.07.2016 02:17 #
      1. Use an online backup service: Online backup services provide a secure and easy way to back up your data, allowing you to store your important files in the cloud. This way, even if your computer is infected with a virus, you can still access your data from another device.
      2. Use an external hard drive: External hard drives are a great way to back up your data, as they are portable and can be stored away from your computer. Make sure to keep the hard drive disconnected from your computer when it is not in use to prevent any viruses from infecting it.
      3. Create regular backups: Regularly creating backups of your data can help ensure that you always have an up-to-date version of your files. You can use a program such as Windows Backup or Mac OS X Time Machine to create regular backups of your data.
      4. Use a cloud storage service: Cloud storage services such as Dropbox or Google Drive are great for backing up your data, as they provide secure online storage that can be accessed from anywhere.
      Reply
  • Nathaniel Henry
    Nathaniel Henry 20.07.2016 21:54 #
    Can viruses be removed from a computer system without losing any data?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 20.07.2016 22:23 #
      Yes, viruses can be removed from a computer system without losing any data. However, it is important to use antivirus software to detect and remove the virus as soon as possible, before it can cause any damage to the system or data. Additionally, it is also important to back up important data regularly, so that any lost data can be recovered if necessary.
      Reply
  • Samson Wrigley
    Samson Wrigley 20.07.2016 20:06 #
    Are all viruses designed to steal data, or are there other types of viruses that cause harm to computer systems?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 20.07.2016 20:25 #
      No, not all viruses are designed to steal data. Some viruses are designed to cause harm to computer systems, such as by corrupting or deleting files, or by disabling system functions. Other types of viruses can be used to spread spam or launch denial-of-service attacks.
      Reply
  • Brandon Stack
    Brandon Stack 20.07.2016 15:52 #
    How can users protect their data from viruses, even if their computer is infected?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 20.07.2016 16:25 #
      1. Install and regularly update antivirus software.
      2. Regularly scan your computer for viruses and malware.
      3. Use a firewall to protect your computer from malicious network traffic.
      4. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for all online accounts.
      5. Be careful about what emails you open, and don’t click on links or attachments from unknown sources.
      6. Don’t download files from untrusted websites.
      7. Back up your data regularly.
      8. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
      Reply
  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 27.04.2018 14:49 #
    Read about viruses as one of the causes for losing data. If you do have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our technical support service - we will be happy to help you.
    Reply
  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 27.04.2018 14:31 #
    Read viruses as one of the causes for losing data. If you do have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our technical support service - we will be happy to help you.
    Reply
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