The various symptoms you’re computer system will exhibit can vary. With the introduction of new more advanced viruses, the accompanying symptoms change and vary to accommodate.

There are those symptoms that may not necessarily mean you have a virus, such as a system performing slower than usual. This could be the result of deficient hardware – or bad maintenance on the user’s part.

With all of that said, let’s take a look at some of the more common symptoms that we associate with a potential virus infection today. These symptoms can and may exhibit themselves on laptops, desktop units and computer networks alike.

Unsolicited pop-ups

Ads appear on your screen unexpectedly, which is, in many instances, a strong indication of a virus infection. These pop-ups can be very annoying, but more than that, they can contain links to other viruses.

For that reason, you never want to click on the links contained in them, even if it’s telling you, your system is infected with a virus. Which is a common trick hackers use to get rouge-ware onto your systems. Once these malicious programs are on your system, they ultimately create new problems for you.

External article /

• [NordVPN guide] How to remove fake virus warning pop-up
• [Norton guide] How to remove a fake virus alert: A step-by-step guide

Unusual hard drive activity

Another symptom that is commonly associated with viruses is unusual hard drive activity. If you notice the hard drive is active, even when your system is idle, that could be an indication of a virus operating in the background.

However, there are instances when the operating system might run a Windows update in the background, so such activity doesn’t always mean a virus. This is just something to consider, especially if it happens more than you’d like.

Slow system startup

The next symptom commonly associated with a virus infection is slow boot-up times. If you’ve been keeping track of how long it takes your system to boot up, then you may have noticed, over time, it taking longer and longer.

Most malicious files are configured to start during system boot-up, that’s why an infected system may take longer than usual to complete a startup.

On the flip side, a slower boot-up could be the result of additional apps installed on the system. So you need to keep track of all the things you’re doing so that you can properly evaluate the situation.

Random errors and crashing

If you receive random error messages or your system crashes unexpectedly, it could be the result of a virus. A virus typically runs in the background of your system, consuming a considerable amount of system resources. This can, in some instances cause the system to crash.

If you’re computer crashes, a simple restart should suffice in getting it back up and running. However, if the problem persists, then it’s possible the root cause is a virus.

Printer issues

If your printer refuses to print a document as is, or if it refuses to print altogether, then it could be due to a virus infection. The first thing you need to do is rule out all of the most obvious reasons.

Such as, the printer not being turned on. The printer is properly connected to the computer and is not set to offline.

If you can confirm that everything is as it should. That means, it’s plugged in and turned on. With all the connections in the right place, whether it’s a wired connection or networked one – and the problem still persists, then a virus could be at play here.

External article /

• [PCMag guide] What to do when your printer won’t print

Missing files

Have you recently had an app fail to run? It’s possible the app is no longer operational, as a result of missing files. However, this symptom may not be exclusive to just program files. It could be just about any file. Such as documents, images, and anything you’ve saved to your system.

When searching through your hard drive, you may notice that one or more of your files are no longer accessible. A computer virus is also capable of infecting, corrupting and erasing the more integral system files.

In most situations, the user isn’t aware of the missing files, until they attempt to run a specific program (such as their browser, word processor, email client software, etc.).  In certain situations, the user may be presented with a warning notification, indicating that crucial files are inaccessible. Usually, these notifications will highlight at least one of the files the system is unable to access.

Excessive network activity

The vast majority of viruses today are contracted through the internet. When these viruses get onto your system, however, they must still maintain a connection to the individual that created it. That means, the virus will send data back to the hackers’ computer or the system could be part of a much larger botnet. Whatever the virus may be doing, it will inevitably create more network traffic.

If you notice your router sending and receiving data, even when your system is idle and you know you’re not doing anything on it – then, again, this could be a virus. Another thing to note here is that background updates will cause unexpected or excessive network activity. So it’s your job to look at the patterns.

Odd internet browser activity

There are hundreds of different virus types out there. With many of them specifically designed to attack your web browser. Some of them will set up redirects so that you go through to the wrong site when you click on it. Others are designed to track what you’re doing while online.

You may find that the home page of your web browser has changed, even though you didn’t change it yourself. You may also find that certain websites are no longer accessible, as they immediately redirect you elsewhere.

For example, when on Google, you search for a specific site, and click on it, from within the SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages), only to be redirected to a completely different site. One thing to keep in mind is that this kind of behavior can be due to a virus on the actual website itself. So you will need to check more than one site, to see whether the issue lies with your computer or the website.

Another thing you may have noticed is a new toolbar on your browser, even though you didn’t install it yourself. Any unauthorized change is typically an indication of some nefarious activity.

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This post was written by our guest member “Uchenna Ani-Okoye,” you will find him and his work on his own website below. Thank you Uchenna Ani-Okoye for your contribution to GadgetBond.com.

–GUEST AUTHOR INFO–

Uchenna Ani-Okoye is a former IT Manager who now runs his own computer support website: Compuchenna.

The opinions expressed here by our contributors are their own, not those of GadgetBond.