How to Remove a Svchost Virus

The Microsoft Windows operating system needs the Svchost.exe process to maintain stability because it is used by the system to launch programs. The actual svchost virus is a virus designed to confuse the user by naming itself scvhost.exe. Upon initial viewing, the user will think that this virus is the real Svchost.exe process, and therefore not shut it down and allow it to run. The scvhost.exe virus is designed to take personal information from your system such as passwords, for example. Microsoft provides a way to remove this virus with a tool in its Windows XP operating system. For Windows 7, you can download the tool. This tool is known as the “Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool.”


Instructions

Windows XP

1. Click the "Start" button, which is found in the lower left corner of the desktop.
2. Click on the "Run" icon and type in "MRT" (without quotes) into the “Run” text box. Click the "OK" button. Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool prompt will appear.
3. Click on the "Next" button.
4. Set up the scan option by choosing "Full Scan." This option is longer than “quick scan,” but it thoroughly scans all parts of your system.
5. Click on the "Next" button. The tool will now scan your system for viruses.
6. Begin the virus removal. Follow the instructions in the tool wizard once the virus is located.
7. Click the "Finish" button to remove the Svchost virus from your computer.

Windows 7

1. Download the Malicious Software Removal Tool from the Microsoft download center. (See Resources.) Click on "Run" to immediately begin the software installation.
2. Click on "I Accept" to complete the tool installation. Click on "Next" and select the “Full Scan” option to initialize the scan.
3. Click on the "View detailed results of the scan" link after the scan to see what type of malicious software was discovered by the tool.
4. Click on the "Finish" button to complete the malicious software removal. Afterward, reboot your system.