Virus removal can be tricky for the average computer owner. This is because, depending on the virus you catch, sometimes functions and applications that can be run are limited. In some instances the virus is so bad that the Ctrl + Alt + Delete function can’t even be done. Professionals use several different, more complex techniques for virus removal on your desktop or laptop. These techniques are above the level of running anti-virus software and clicking a few different buttons to get the job done and are the biggest reasons people turn to professionals when those simple techniques just don’t cut it.

Reconnecting Hard Drive

One technique professional’s use is to disconnect the hard drive from the infected computer and reconnect it to a computer that has the latest anti-virus software installed on it. This is good for the computer that has been infected and not protected by anti-virus software. The hard drive is cleaned up by the clean computer. All too often, computers come to professionals that have caught a virus and have absolutely no protection whatsoever by anti-virus software, making it necessary to completely disconnect an infected hard drive and reconnecting it to one that is protected.

Safe Mode

Booting the computer into safe mode will, with some viruses, give the specialist a little bit more wiggle room to get in there and remove the virus themselves without having to resort to more drastic options like disconnecting the hard drive. In safe mode, milder viruses are kept at bay until the worker can maneuver and clear away the virus. Safe mode can also keep your computer safe from additional viruses until the first ones can be taken care of.

Reinstall Hard Drive

Sometimes with medium-toughness viruses, reinstalling the hard drive can give the computer a chance to kind of regroup and fight harder to allow the professional to manually remove viruses from it. Reinstalling the hard drive is one of those "drastic measures" listed above, because it’s much more difficult than running anti-virus software like with smaller virus pests.

System Restore

In cases where the virus hasn’t completely limited the amount of options we can use to remove viruses, a system restore can be achieved. System restores can completely wipe out the hard drive, causing you to lose everything, or they can restore your computer to a date previous to when the problems started, back to a time when the virus wasn’t there. System restores can be very effective, but professionals are best to carry them out to prevent any more data loss than necessary.

Advanced Anti-Virus

Anti-virus software that you buy in a store and install on your computer is often quite simple and works best for simple, less complex viruses. Hard-hitting, debilitating viruses, however, sometimes require more advanced and complex anti-virus software. Software like this is most often used by professionals and allows them to get a more firm hold on the virus (especially those tough ones) an eliminate them more thoroughly.