How to Remove Ramnit from Your Computer
To completely purge Ramnit from your computer, you need to delete the files and folders associated with Ramnit. These files and folders are respectively listed in the Files and Folders sections on this page.
For instructions on deleting the Ramnit files and folders, see the following section How to Delete Ramnit Files (.exe, .dll, etc.).
How to Delete Ramnit Files (.exe, .dll, etc.)^
The files and folders associated with Ramnit are listed in the Files and Folders sections on this page.
To delete the Ramnit files and folders:
- Using your file explorer, browse to each file and folder listed in the Folders and Files sections.
- Select the file or folder and press SHIFT+Delete on the keyboard.
- Click Yes in the confirm deletion dialog box.
Ramnit Categorized as:^
Worms are generally considered to be a subset of viruses, but have key differences. Unlike a virus, a worm is a computer program that replicates, but does not infect other files. Instead, a worm installs itself on a computer and then looks for a way to spread to other computers.
From a user’s perspective, there are noticeable differences. The longer a virus goes undetected, the more files it will infect on the victim computer. By contrast, there is just a single instance of the worm code on the computer.
Like viruses, worms are often subdivided according to the methods they use to infect a system. E-mail worms are distributed as attachments to e-mail messages. IM worms are attached to messages sent with instant messaging programs (such as IRC or ICQ). P2P (peer-to-peer) worms use file-sharing networks to spread. Network worms spread directly over the LAN (Local Area Network) or across the Internet, often exploiting a specific vulnerability.
Be Aware of the Following Worm Threats:
How Did My PC Get Infected with Ramnit?^
The following are the most likely reasons why your computer got infected with Ramnit:
- Your operating system and Web browser's security settings are too lax.
- You are not following safe Internet surfing and PC practices.
Downloading and Installing Freeware or Shareware
Small-charge or free software applications may come bundled with spyware, adware, or programs like Ramnit. Sometimes adware is attached to free software to enable the developers to cover the overhead involved in created the software. Spyware frequently piggybacks on free software into your computer to damage it and steal valuable private information.
Using Peer-to-Peer Software
The use of peer-to-peer (P2P) programs or other applications using a shared network exposes your system to the risk of unwittingly downloading infected files, including malicious programs like Ramnit.
Visiting Questionable Web Sites
When you visit sites with dubious or objectionable content, trojans-including Ramnit, spyware and adware, may well be automatically downloaded and installed onto your computer.
The following symptoms signal that your computer is very likely to be infected with Ramnit:
PC is working very slowly
Ramnit can seriously slow down your computer. If your PC takes a lot longer than normal to restart or your Internet connection is extremely slow, your computer may well be infected with Ramnit.
New desktop shortcuts have appeared or the home page has changed
Ramnit can tamper with your Internet settings or redirect your default home page to unwanted web sites. Ramnit may even add new shortcuts to your PC desktop.
Annoying popups keep appearing on your PC
Ramnit may swamp your computer with pestering popup ads, even when you're not connected to the Internet, while secretly tracking your browsing habits and gathering your personal information.
E-mails that you didn't write are being sent from your mailbox
Ramnit may gain complete control of your mailbox to generate and send e-mail with virus attachments, e-mail hoaxes, spam and other types of unsolicited e-mail to other people.