How to Remove Trojan Virus for Free
Why is it difficult to remove trojan virus
Because trojans are a very common type of malware that is known to practically all web surfers, it is clear how hard it is to answer the question "how do i remove a trojan virus from my computer?"
A trojan virus makes a PC user think that it is a beneficial Windows application. Thus, trojans often masquerade as screensavers, packages of video codecs, tray clocks, weather forecast software, messengers, etc. Another major source of trojans is all kinds of illegal programs, cracks and keygens. It is a common practice to include trojans into free antivirus software distributed via peer-to-peer networks (e.g. torrents). This is especially dangerous for end-users because antivirus program cannot detect a trojan before the installation finishes and all updates are downloaded, thus the use of free antivirus software downloaded from suspicious websites or sources imposes a great risk on personal computers.
Moreover, one of the most difficult things in PC maintenance is to remove trojan virus from a PC where software of a suspicious origin has been installed.
TOP-10 Internet Threats (July, 2008), by: BitDefender, www.bitdefender.com
What is a Trojan Virus
BitDefender, a world renowned antivirus software maker, conducted a research based on its statistics. Its purpose was to show which types of threats dominate the Web. The results are shown on the screenshot to the right. -->
It's clearly seen that nine out of ten most encountered threats are trojan viruses.
The first trojan in the list, Trojan.Clicker.CM, displays commercial ads, which "eat" the bandwidth and, as a consequence, slow down the PC.
It should be pretty evident that methods to remove trojan viruses should quickly adapt to the reality, since trojans lead the malware army.
So before learning how to remove trojan virus, it is important to know what this type of malware is in essence.
In short, as the term suggests, a trojan pretends to look and act like it's a legit Windows application. However, its malicious code is programmed to execute operations that no PC owner would want on his computer.
- Trojans are capable of stealing important information (passwords, credit card numbers, etc.) Then the sensitive data is transmitted over the Web to virus creators, who then are able to take control over infected computers.
- A considerable slow-down in system performance is one of the consequences of trojan virus infection.
- A user may be distracted by unexpected pop-ups with ads (mostly with casino, poker, adult content).
- Trojan viruses attempt to become parts of the infected system by interacting with Windows processes and injecting malicious code into legitimate files executed by the operating system (Winlogon is an example of such injection when a trojan virus is fully loaded after the user enters login details).
Trojans may get involved into distribution of unsolicited emails. Sometimes this type of malware is responsible for attacks on other computers connected to the Internet. While it's a bit scary, in fact any PC infected by a trojan virus may be engaged in decentralized attacks on servers of government institutions, universities, etc.
How Trojans Spread
A trojan virus uses multiple ways to spread over the Web and replicate itself. That's why if you want to know how to remove the trojan virus, you need to be aware of the ways it infects target computers.
- Through email attachments. Probably the oldest method of mass distribution, it has grown into a new industry of virus propagation. Modern sophisticated software, dedicated servers, large networks of already infected personal computers are used to send out gazillions of spam emails each and every day. A trojan virus may be attached as a greeting card, wallpaper, animated image, screensaver. Many of them have subjects with "hi, here's a greeting card for you!" words.
- Once downloaded and executed, a trojan may use the address book to send itself to other computers. That's why it is still worth noting that emails from unknown addresses should never be opened.
- Trojans widely exploit messaging software, especially popular programs like MSN Messenger/Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Skype, etc.
- Trojans may be included into bundles of emoticons for email clients and instant messengers alike.
- Modern Trojan viruses widely exploit security breeches in Windows Operating system and the popularity of multimedia content available online. For example, zlob trojan, responsible for aggressive distribution of over a hundred of fake antispyware programs, used video codecs to install onto target computers. Whenever a surfer visited a website with embedded malicious code, a window would pop-up asking to install a video codec in order to display a movie. Once the visitor clicked to agree to installation, trojan Zlob infected the system immediately.
A Trojan Virus generates fake alerts
Trojans and Rogue Security Software
Trojans have gained an even worse reputation because of rogue security software which they distribute. Rogue software are bogus programs that pretend to look and act like antivirus or antispyware applications, various system maintenance tools, registry cleaners, etc. They use fake malware scan results and persistent pop-ups trying to scare the user into paying for a "full version" of the program. However, even getting a license key in exchange for some $30 or $100 changes nothing in the way rogue security software behaves. Even annoying pop-ups continue to appear on the desktop at same intervals.
I believe many people became more aware of Web threats thanks to rogue programs, because they got interested in the nature of this phenomenon, which led them to learn something about how to remove a trojan virus.
How Can I Remove a Trojan Virus from my Computer
While it is possible to remove trojan virus manually, the set of steps involved in PC cleaning requires a decent level of computer experience. There's a need to indentify the type of malware, to locate infected or harmful files and registry entries, to download the tools that will help to remove trojan virus.
A common practice implies the use of special software, commonly referred to as 'trojan removers'. It is however important to point out that this type of programs makes a considerable part of antispyware software market, which is a big incentive for some programmers to make quick money by releasing trojan removers with mediocre scanning engines, poor algorithms, and no support.
Therefore I feel it's necessary to warn you, the readers of this hub, that the decision about preferable trojan remover should be done after at least basic research of the available programs. User feedback and reviews are important sources of information, though the quality of reviews of trojan removers often leaves much to be desired.
NOTE: Every program recommended in this hub is 100% safe to use. I give as detailed descriptions as possible, with an accent on vital features not to be found in competitors' software. Same applies to any download links given below.
Some folks prefer to remove trojan virus for free. I myself am a big fan of freeware tools, but there's a big problem here. Some developers of scam software promote their products as free trojan virus removers, to entice web surfers into downloading and installing them. However, such free trojan removers are often more dangerous than trojans. Even scanning of executable files by antivirus programs may show them as clean. This is yet another reason why I advise to make some research before downloading and installing any software that promises to help to remove trojan virus.
Online scanners are an absolutely safe and free way to remove trojan virus. All major antivirus software makers offer online virus scanners on their websites, and these services are available for everybody enjoying a stable Internet connection. Not all of the scanners have same detection rate, and they differ in types of malware they're able to remove.
For trojan viruses involved in the distribution of rogue security programs, there are special tools developed by volunteers. These tools have a very specific targeting and are meant to fight either certain trojans, or a range of malware. Usually such tools are created because major antivirus and antispyware companies fail to address new threats quickly. This happens either due to bugs in scan engines, or requires significant updates.
Command-line anti-malware scaners present another way to remove trojan virus for free. Sadly, I was able to find only two completely free and available scanners: TrendMicro SysClean and a-squared anti-malware command-line scanner. The latter is suitable for PC users with intermediate experience, while TrendMicro software is aimed at advanced users or system administrators.
Remove Trojan Virus as soon as you caught it
I'd say this goes without saying; any trojan virus should be removed as quickly as possible.
- you never know what it managed to do in your system, and what it still intends to accomplish.
- a trojan virus rarely is the only guest in the PC system; most of the time its buddies come alond quicker than you wink.
Pretty obvious, right? But many people consider dangerous only those types of malware which distract them from work or mess up PC settings. With trojans, the whole system may work more or less normally for a long time. Trojans are designed to attract as little attention on part of the user as possible.
Best Trojan Removers
Whenever I'm asked to name a couple of best programs to remove trojan virus for free, I find myself speechless. It's just impossible to find the best program in the world of security software. Not because there are tons of them (and new products appear monthly), but because what is best and what is worst is a subject to debates. I prefer to put it mildly: best Trojan remover is only an addition to safe browsing habits and responsible surfing.
In case with free trojan removers, the situation is changing all the time. Several years ago IT pros would name TDS-3 among best of breed programs created to remove trojan viruses. But the program ceased to exist, its support was discontinued. Other products appeared on the scene as promising trojan fighters, but their developers either lost enthusiasm or quit the programming, leaving the software 'half-cooked'.
So in brief, what was well-performing yesterday, might have been left in dust by new products. Some of the old players managed to keep up the pace, too. Therefore my short list of software effective in removing trojan viruses includes only programs that scored awards from trusted reviewers and security labs. I personally tested each program to ensure none of them contains serious bugs.
It is worth noting that popular antivirus software and Internet Security Suites from world-renowned manufacturers show relatively weak trojan virus detection. Even identified trojans happen to be too tough for an antivirus to erase them from the system. There are practically no exceptions to this sad fact; no matter what antivirus industry leaders promise to potential customers, their products perform as trojan cleaners with imperfect algorithms.
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Comments
Dale Anderson from The High Seas on May 13, 2018:
Used them both and, in fact, have been using them for years. Big fan, especially of superantispyware.
thessa on July 26, 2015:
How can i remove the trojan virus without the risk of my fb account?
Grazie on November 28, 2012:
how can i remove trojan virus in my computer? as soon as possible?
Kas on July 09, 2012:
Kaspersky is the best
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on June 09, 2012:
Have a look at avast! Home Edition or Avira Free Antivirus. Both provide real-time protection.
Kathy on June 09, 2012:
I'm looking for a free, but very good antivirus program are there any such thing out there anymore.
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on April 02, 2012:
cressette, what software did you use for scan?
cressette on April 01, 2012:
hi trojan is damaging my computer i try the free scanning am not sure if i did it right but i try but its still there, it already crash one of my laptop dont want the same please help!!!!
cressette thank u
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on February 06, 2012:
Hi Whitney, please check if you're able to log on in Windows Safe Mode (tap F8 key continuously when restarting computer until Windows Boot Menu appears). Chances are, we can get rid of the trojan without buying anything. You can always contact me via email at this link:
https://charlemont.hubpages.com/contact
Whitney on February 05, 2012:
Got the Trojan virus that pops up as security warnings...this has disabled my internet. Any suggestions on software? Kaspersky or Webroot...anything I can get from BestBuy.
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on January 17, 2012:
paul, if you can't use computer, I suggest that you should create a rescue CD using another computer and then scan the infected one.
Here's a short tutorial with download links:
http://www.eazyantispyware.com/blog/free-malware-r...
I recommend Avira AntiVir Rescue CD, but it's up to you which to use.
paul on January 17, 2012:
we have picked up what seems 2 be a cracked screen virus although can not use the computer at all to fix it...can u give me any advice on what to do next in order to remove it..ty..ty..ty
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on January 02, 2012:
tia, please drop me an email using 'contact charlemont' link found below my profile photo.
tia on January 02, 2012:
im in the exact same situation as 'Cathy S' please help asap!!!
fghfhhfg on December 31, 2011:
thank you
guywholikestodownloadfreethingsandthengetsvirus on December 27, 2011:
i just downloaded avg anti virus for free of course and it detected js/agent.l wich i later googled and found out was a trojan virus and script/pdf.exploit. what do you think of avg anti virus
CathyS on December 25, 2011:
I got a Merry Christmas present that my computer was hacked at Christmas eve. The IE wouldn't work, keep pop-up alerts and trying to make me purchase some Windows7 2012 security suite. Meanwhile the local files work very slow. I have subscribed McAfee, and I did a full scan, it reported one file was infected but enable to delete the file. My computer is Windows 7, 64 bit. Which way is easier to clean the computer and productive, use some of your recommended free software to clean or to restore the windows system? I'm not very skilled with IT knowledge, but I can follow instructions to get around when it comes to computer maintanence. Please help me !!
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on December 25, 2011:
kathleen, please download Avira AntiVir Rescue System:
http://www.avira.com/en/support-download-avira-ant...
Get .ISO file and use any burning software to burn the .ISO file on a blank CD-RW (or DVD-RW). If you don't have any burning software, I recommend IMGBurn, which is totally free.
Once you're through, please drop me a message using 'contact charlemont' link on this page, below my profile photo. Include your laptop model.
I think you'll have to remove Morton (because it's expired) and install some other antivirus software.
kathleen on December 24, 2011:
I surely hope you can help me my laptop has a trojan horse virus i was able to find that much out what is the best way and safest and cheapest way i can go im on a fix income and if i can find a free way that would be totally awesome. im able to get on the internet by going though norton wich came with my laptop but has expiredi go to account then it open up the internet. i want this problem fixed asap i really do. i have a cd/dvd on the side of my computer so please any advise would be greatly appreciated a lot. Thank You and have a very Merry Christmas Kathleen
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on December 19, 2011:
shahrul, please contact me via 'contact charlemont' link below my profile photo on top of this page. Describe your problem, version of Windows, 32-bit or 64-bit.
shahrul on December 19, 2011:
i cannot able to removet this trojan thing. it break my heart. my windows is infected with trojan. please. help mee
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on November 10, 2011:
Diana, last time one of the new superantispyware users found 245 infections, will you score more? ;-)
Once the scan has completed, delete all what it has found, then restart.
Create a HiJackThis report:
http://www.eazyantispyware.com/blog/how-to-use-hij...
and email it to me using 'contact charlemont' link below my profile picture (on top of this page).
You can download HiJackThis here:
http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/
(Get v2.0.4 executable)
Include the following info alongside HJT report: is your Windows 32-bit or 64-bit, and do you have DVD drive.
Diana on November 10, 2011:
Please help me! My laptop was infected by viruses, particularly Trojans. I installed the superantivirus on safe mode and the first time, it froze while installing. I restarted and am installing it again, and the number of threats detected has jumped to such a crazy number!! Please help :(
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on November 08, 2011:
dion thompson, what did you purchase?
dion thompson on November 08, 2011:
my purchase didn,t go thru why
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on November 07, 2011:
Steph, sorry for my missing the point. Don't know why I thought you were looking for a free antivirus.
Consider EMSISOFT anti-malware:
Or G-Data:
http://www.gdatasoftware.com/products/private-user...
I suggest that you should pay a visit to http://av-comparatives.org to have a look at test results (Proactive).
Steph on November 07, 2011:
Thanks for your response! So you think that F-secure is better than McAfee? I don't mind paying for a program, I just want the best one available. McAfee Total Protection seemed quite robust, but I heard it wasn't the best one to use.
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on November 07, 2011:
Hi kb, I suggest that you should download Avira AntiVir Rescue Disk:
http://www.avira.com/en/support-download-avira-ant...
Then, depending on whether your computer has a DVD drive, you can either burn the .ISO image file to a blank CD-RW / DVD-RW:
http://www.eazyantispyware.com/blog/free-malware-r...
or make a bootable USB stick (512 MB at least):
http://www.eazyantispyware.com/blog/how-to-create-...
Contact me using 'contact charlemont' link below my profile picture on this page with any questions, I'll try to get back to you in under 24 hours.
kb on November 07, 2011:
Hi Charlemont
Glad to have found you. Am in Safe Mode cannot run or install any of the AV freeware above. Have a virus that literally sqeals like a pig, and dissallows me to open anything except pictures. Most likely from a Project Free TV site, in any case my daughter was watching a movie and all of sudden one of those Security Scan (Scam) program starts, runs a scan (found Backdoor, Trojan) and was still running until I shut it down. Any thoughts? I am desperate!! Thank You.
Tiffy on November 06, 2011:
Never mind. I have just reformatted my computer, so the virus is gone now. Thanks for the help anyway. :)
Tiffy
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on November 06, 2011:
Steph, right now F-secure & Chip magazine are carrying promo - 1 year subscription to F-secure Internet Security 2011.
I had to use a shortened URL because original one is way too long to paste here. You can put in the fields whatever you wish, just use a valid email address to get a license key ;-)
Among free antivirus editions you can choose avast!, AVG, Comodo, Avira. Keep Malwarebyte's no matter what antivirus you decide to have.
Steph on November 06, 2011:
Hi, my subscription for McAfee Total Protection is coming to an end and before I renew it, I am curious if there is a better all-around anti-virus software I should use? I also use Malwarebytes to run occasional scans.
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on November 05, 2011:
Tiffy, is your laptop equipped with dvd-drive?
Tiffy on November 05, 2011:
Hi Charlemont,
I downloaded HiJackThis, booted into Safe Mode, opened HiJackThis, then clicked on the first button one that lets you scan and create reports.
While it was scanning, HiJackThis crashed, so I tried opening it again, but the same message appears as the other antivirus, "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.". So now I couldn't create a log file.
I hope you could help. Thanks!
Tiffy
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on November 04, 2011:
Hi Tiffy,
please download HiJackThis:
http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/
Then boot into Safe Mode:
http://www.eazyantispyware.com/blog/how-to-boot-in...
and create a report:
http://www.eazyantispyware.com/blog/how-to-use-hij...
Once you have the report (logfile), use the 'contact Charlemont' link below my profile picture to email me the contents.
Tiffy on November 04, 2011:
Hi Charlemont!
I have a Trojan virus on my laptop, Windows 7. I'm sure of it because the computer detected the virus through the "Solve PC issues" icon in the right part of the taskbar. But when I try to delete the Trojan virus, the computer couldn't delete it.
I tried downloading Kapersky Scan, Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware, and SUPERAntispyware v4. Unfortunately,this message keeps popping up whenever I try to open any of the anti-virus: "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item." Now I can't remove the virus already. By the way, this message also pops up whenever I go to Google Chrome, Autorun, and other programs.
I'm really desperate, I don't want to lose my computer forever. :(
Is there anything I could do to remove the Trojan virus?
Thanks a lot in advance! :D
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on November 04, 2011:
chris, are you able to log on to desktop? Are there any error messages popping up? What software have you tried already? What windows version are you running?
chris on November 03, 2011:
hey charlemont i started to get this Trojan virus that makes my hard drive unreadable and i have tried many forms of trying to clean out my computer. do you have any advice on which program i should use to solve my situation?
it would mean a lot
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on October 31, 2011:
Hi Sal, did you run superantispyware in Safe Mode? Sometimes it makes sense to run full scan 2 times, not 1, restarting computer after first scan.
Anyway, please create a HiJackThis report as advised here:
http://www.eazyantispyware.com/blog/how-to-use-hij...
Use 'contact charlemont' link below my avatar on this page to include the contents of logfile (copy-paste and send just a regular email).
Sal on October 31, 2011:
Hi, I have serious problems, I used
SUPERAntiSpyware and deleted viruses, but
trojan is still in my computer!
PC is crashing all time, only sometimes
it wont , but thats for a little time....
please help me
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on October 28, 2011:
Saz, I think you should ask webhosting customer support to check your website directory for infections.
Regarding your computer, those entries that have been placed in the vault are harmless. Sluggishness can be the result of infection, but that doesn't mean there are still malicious items left active. Please drop me a message via 'contact charlemont' link below my profile picture specifying your Windows version, 32-bit or 64-bit, and if there's a DVD drive.
Saz on October 28, 2011:
Hi Charlemont,
Thank you for posting this article.
I am having problems also and not sure how to go about dealing with this myself and wondered if you could offer some advice...
AVG reports several threats and infections (Trojans and malware) in the virus vault. Been there for a while. I have run AVG and malware bytes and both show the system as being infection free other than what's in the vault.
However, I just know this is not the case. The laptop is still sluggish despite being tuned up regularly and having minimal files etc and when logging onto internet (using firefox) often freezes up. Sam when trying to open some programs.
Have been emailed recently about my two websites, and been informed that when some people visit they are being blocked due to Trojan Horse viruses. Again, run multiple tests and cannot find anything. Feels like I'm chasing my tail.
Can you suggest anything? Would really appreciate it. Have taken a screen shot of the infections in the vault for information.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards
Saz
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on October 11, 2011:
asad, I suggest that you should run any of the free online virus scanners to start with:
https://discover.hubpages.com/technology/Top-Free-...
If virus infection is detected, drop me a message via 'Contact charlemont' link below my profile photo on top of this page.
asad on October 10, 2011:
hi charlemont
u r helping lots of people here, i hope u can help me too. my computer freezes everytime i connect to internet. i dont know its a trojan or what. can u help me plz.
charlemont (author) from Lithuania on October 10, 2011:
Hi Herle, thanks for stopping by! I'm sure your comment will inspire other frustrated users whose computers are invaded by virii.