BN laptop is loaded w Viruses

[Caterer1]

Loaded with Viruses 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Caterer1 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If your HP 14-cf2000 Laptop PC is loaded with viruses, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage and data loss. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clean the laptop and restore its performance:

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

To prevent the viruses from spreading or communicating with external servers, disconnect your laptop from the internet:

1. Turn off Wi-Fi on your laptop.
2. If you're connected via Ethernet, disconnect the cable from the laptop.

Step 2: Enter Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads only essential system files and drivers, which can help stop any malicious software from running.

1. Restart your laptop.As soon as your laptop starts booting up, press and hold the F8 key (or repeatedly tap it) until you see the Advanced Boot Options.
2. Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

Alternatively, in Windows 11, you can follow these steps to enter Safe Mode:

1. Click on the Start menu and select SettingNavigate to System > Recovery.
2. Under the Advanced startup section, click Restart now.After your laptop restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
3. Once it restarts again, press F4 to select Safe Mode.

Step 3: Run Windows Security (Windows Defender)

Windows 11 comes with Windows Security, which includes built-in virus protection. To scan your laptop:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
2. Under Current threats, click on Quick Scan to run a basic scan.If the quick scan finds threats, click on Remove. You can also run a Full Scan for a deeper search.

Step 5: Remove Unwanted Programs

Viruses often install additional unwanted software. Remove anything that looks suspicious:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Apps.
2. Select Installed Apps and review the list of programs.
3. Uninstall any programs you don’t recognize or remember installing.

Step 6: Clear Temporary Files

Temporary files and caches may contain remnants of malicious software.

1. Press Windows + R, type temp, and press Enter.
2. Select all files in the folder and delete them.
3. Repeat this process with the following commands:
   • percenttemp%
   • prefetch
   • recent

Step 7: Update Windows and Drivers

Once you’ve removed the viruses, make sure your system is up to date:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
2. Install any available updates, especially security updates.

I hope this helps.

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