Steps to recover a Windows XP system file from virus

To recover a Windows XP system file from virus attacks, some recommendations may be helpful. Most popular of the system files that you will encounter on Windows computers are msdos.sys, ntdetect.com, io.sys, etc. They are system files that make your application files run. Learn to remove a virus in order to bring back your system.

1. When you are sure that your computer is being attacked by a virus, put it into quarantine through isolation and disconnection. Immediately disconnect this infected computer so that it cannot contaminate others, if you are in a network. Clean or disinfect the other computers even if you have not seen any symptom yet of the virus.

2. Attend to the quarantined computer; aim to remove the hateful code. Use your antivirus software. Be sure to have updates of this software. Clean the suspected virus and make tests to see that you have been successful. Sometimes system files are hidden which is normal. When they disappear it is not normal.

3. Reinstall your operating system. Applications that are disabled should be restored and other damages by the virus attack must be repaired. Your computer must be in its original condition. Gather the necessary information like registration, licenses, serial number and the original software.

4. After reinstalling and restoring, the entire network needs to be scanned for viruses. All documents and all files must be scanned using the most recent updated antivirus software.

5. If you had made back ups of your files, you will have something to restore. If not, let it be a lesson learned because you must have lost your files permanently. Some viruses attack data files and some attack both data and system files. Should you have no data left because they were permanently lost due to the virus, make it a habit to prepare a back up file. This file may not be infected if it is not in the computer during the virus attack.

6. Make it a habit to keep antivirus software current. Do not wait for future attacks. Prevent them by ensuring that security patches are current. Depending on the virus, most of them can access passwords and even Web site passwords. For your protection, change passwords from time to time. Have a back up of all your data.