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can viruses still steal passwords and personal info when the computer is off?
No that's impossible. Viruses are instructions, not machines. They can't do anything if the computer has no power to follow the instructions. You need to turn your computer on first, then the operating system needs to start, and then it loads the virus because the virus usually puts itself inside the startup sequence.
Most viruses let you continue to do things in hopes of stealing more info, or in hopes of spreading themselves to other computers. So usually you can just unplug your network cord, boot up, and run your antivirus even though the virus is active. Then you might want to change your passwords, etc. But if you're afraid of serious trouble even from booting the computer, then you can shut your computer off and give your hard drive to someone else to fix. Then the professional or friend can put the hard drive in their computer but still boot using their own. Then even though the virus is on your hard drive, their computer will never open it because it's not in their startup stuff. So then they use their antivirus on your hard drive and give it back to you.
Worst case scenario you could also re-install windows, even without erasing old hard drive (though if you have nothing you want to keep this will be simpler). Even though the virus is still on your hard drive, the operating system (Windows) will never open it because it's not in the startup stuff. But if you open the same program with the virus again, YOU might open it. So it's better to run an antivirus before opening any of your old programs, or just reinstall all your old programs.
Viruses can do a lot of stuff while the computer is on or off,once you notice the virus is taking affect,have you anti-virus software running,you know the rest. Best thing to do is have a professional take care of it at a reasonable price.
yeah a trojan it doesnt matter wether your computer is on or off it will attack... you should get it to your computer tech.
matthew
NO if you dont unplug it you need a tech asap but if you do it could probs make it 1 day before seeing the tech
alright because my parents are sleeping and ill get it fixed first thing tommorrow morning
Unplug your computer from the wall. And yes, you can wait a day.
What if I dont unplug it ? could I still wait a day
Depending on the type of virus, yes.
like trojan and stuff
could I wait a day?
Yes.
