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Windows 2000 Virus Removal Instructions

Operating System: Win 2000

The following are directions for removing viruses from your computer and/or closing major security holes in your operating system. Please pay attention to the order in which you perform these steps. Performing steps out of order may cause problems.

If your network connection has been turned off due to virus infection or detected vulnerabilities, please visit or call Software Support (A118 LGRC • 545-9779) when you have finished disinfecting and/or removing vulnerabilities from your computer.

On this page:
Step 1: Download/save all files & Print this document
Step 2: Disconnect Your Computer from the Network
Step 3: Install Anti-Virus Software
Step 4: Scan for Viruses
Step 5: Update Service Pack
Step 6: Reconnect Your Computer to the Network
Step 7: Automatically Update Windows Software

Step 1: Download/save all files & Print this document

Before you can begin fixing your computer, you have to obtain the necessary files (below) and print this document. Your computer will not be connected to the network while you are disinfecting it, so you will not be able to access these files on the Web. To get these files, you can download the files directly from the OIT site:

  1. vscan8x.exe
  2. w2ksp4_en.exe
  3. 2Kpatch.exe
  4. AutomaticUpdates.reg (To download this file, right-click the link and click Save Link As... (Firefox) or Save Target As... (MS Internet Explorer) from the drop-down menu.)

You can also get these instructions and software on CD from OIT Software Support by going to A119 LGRC with your UMass ID card. Each CD costs $3 and includes additional malware removal software and Windows updates not available directly from the OIT site. You can also download a free ISO image of the OIT Anti-virus CD from the OIT site and burn it on your computer:

An ISO Image is similar to a zip file in that it groups several files into a single download that is easier to manage. When you burn this image to CD, it produces a full copy of the OIT Anti-virus CD from which you can install the software and updates you need to disinfect your computer. See Burn a CD in OIT Computer Classrooms for more information.

Remember to print or save this document!

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Step 2: Disconnect Your Computer from the Network

Your computer should not be physically connected to a network (e.g., cable modem, DSL, UMass Ethernet). Unplug your network cable from the Ethernet or phone jack and do not reconnect it until you have finished this process.

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Step 3: Install Anti-Virus Software

The anti-virus software provided by OIT comes with the latest virus updates and definitions. To effectively remove viruses, make sure you do not have other anti-virus applications (or previous versions of VirusScan) installed on your computer. See Running More than One Anti-virus Application? page for more information.

  1. Open VirusScan 8.x (vscan8x.exe).
  2. Install the software using the Installation Wizard. Agree to uninstall or remove an older version of McAfee or other anti-virus software.
  3. The Installation Wizard will request that restart your computer in Safe Mode. Click Yes.
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Step 4: Scan for Viruses

Start Your Computer in Safe Mode

  1. Re-start your computer.
  2. While the computer is starting, press F8 repeatedly.
  3. On the Windows startup menu, select Safe Mode, and then press Enter.

Scan for Viruses

  1. Go to Programs > Network Associates > VirusScan Console.
  2. On the VirusScan Console Window, select Scan All Fixed Disks.
  3. On the VirusScan On-Demand Scan properties screen, select Scan Now. This will take some time, but it is important that you make sure the viruses have been removed.
  4. Take note of the names of any viruses found during your scan. You will need to report this to Software Support when you call later to have your Internet access re-enabled.
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Step 5: Update Service Pack

Update Windows 2000 Service Pack

Note: It is important that you install the Service Pack before you apply the Microsoft Security Patch. If you install the patch before installing the Service Pack you will un-do the patch.

  1. Open the Windows 2000 Service Pack (w2ksp4_en.exe) from where you saved it.
  2. On the Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 Setup Wizard window, click Next.
  3. On the License Agreement window, click I agree, then click Next.
  4. On the Select Options window, when prompted to archive files, choose No. The Wizard will begin updating your system.
  5. When the update is complete, select Re-start now, then click Finish.

Run Microsoft Security Patches

  1. Open the Microsoft Updates file (2Kpatch.exe) from where you saved it. This program installs two (2) necessary patches from Microsoft.
    Note: Do NOT re-start until BOTH installers have finished.
  2. When the second patch has finished installing, click OK to restart your computer.
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Step 6: Reconnect Your Computer to the Network

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Step 7: Automatically Update Windows Software

Install Registry Settings

  1. Open the file <AutomaticUpdates.reg> from where you saved it.
  2. When the download is complete, click Open.
  3. A dialog box will open asking you if you want to add this file to your registry, click Yes.
  4. You will be prompted when the file has been successfully added to the registry.
  5. Windows will now keep itself up-to-date for future protection.
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If your network connection has been turned off for virus infection, please visit or call Software Support (A118 LGRC • 545-9779) when you have finished disinfecting your computer.

Need Help?

If you encounter problems, submit an online Help Request.
- or -
Contact the OIT Help Desk at 545-9400.

Last revised July 20, 2005