Protecting Your Memories: What to Do When a Virus Strikes Your Computer

Recently, my husband inadvertently exposed our computer to a troublesome virus after clicking on a suspicious link in a blog post. The aftermath was chaotic; the computer became difficult to navigate and even altered the desktop background. To make matters worse, we received a scam call from someone pretending to be from Microsoft who had the last four digits of our bank account, attempting to trick us into signing in. Thankfully, he recognized the scam and hung up.

Amidst this unexpected crisis, I’m left with a pressing concern: I have a substantial collection of important photos that I had planned to back up onto a USB drive—if only I hadn’t procrastinated. I managed to restore the system to a previous point from about a week ago in an effort to securely transfer those images to a clean USB stick. Despite running Windows Defender, it hasn’t detected any issues yet, although it certainly didn’t provide any alerts earlier.

As we gear up for a factory reset of the computer to eliminate any lingering threats, my primary worry is whether the photos I’m trying to save might be infected with the virus. What is the risk of transferring these images, and what steps should I take to ensure they remain safe?

If you’re in a similar situation, here are some key considerations:

1. Backup Your Photos with Caution: Use a dedicated external hard drive or USB stick that you haven’t previously connected to the compromised computer. This reduces the risk of transferring any potential malware.

2. Scan Your Backups: Before moving your photos, scan them separately on a different, secure device. This adds an extra layer of protection against carrying over any malicious files.

3. Consider Cloud Backups: Utilizing a reliable cloud storage service can help keep your photos safe while you address the virus issue. Ensure that the device you use to upload them is clean and secure.

4. Stay Informed: Learn about the type of virus you may have encountered. Understanding its nature can help you identify specific precautions to take in the future.

5. Stay Vigilant Against Scams: Be wary of unsolicited calls and emails claiming to be from tech support. Legitimate companies will not request personal information over the phone.

If you’ve faced similar computer issues and have advice or experiences to share, please join the discussion in the comments below. Staying informed and proactive can help all of us safeguard our treasured memories.