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Applicable for: Windows
Signs that your computer may be infected
Introduction and prerequisites
This article assists users in recognizing common symptoms of a potential virus or malware infection on their computer and guides them to resources for resolution. Many Norton apps include the Norton Virus Protection Promise, which offers access to Norton experts for diagnosis and virus removal. Under certain terms and conditions, if Norton cannot remove a virus, you may be entitled to a refund.
If you are not eligible for the Norton Virus Protection Promise, providing a description of the problems you are facing or your suspicion of an infection will help in finding the most suitable solution.
Step-by-step instructions
It can be concerning when your computer acts strangely. Identifying a potential virus or malware infection early helps prevent further damage and data loss. This article helps you recognize common symptoms and guides you to resources for resolving the issue.
Select the statement that best describes your situation:
I see pop-ups or I am redirected to different websites
You may see small windows that pop up or be redirected to a different website. This can happen if a browser hijacker is installed. These hijackers are sometimes bundled with free applications downloaded from the Internet.
My computer freezes and I see an alert that asks me to send money
If your computer screen freezes with a pop-up message demanding payment, it's likely infected with ransomware. Ransomware is a type of malware that holds your computer hostage.
Read What is ransomware and how to help prevent ransomware attacks
I think I've been scammed by fake support
Technical support scams are a form of Internet fraud. Scammers often misrepresent their relationship with reputable companies to gain your trust and exploit fears about computer infections.
My computer runs slowly
Your computer's performance can degrade due to several factors. This may be apparent when starting your computer, browsing the Internet, or starting an application. Determine when you experience slowness to fix the problem.
I cannot start my computer
If your computer no longer starts in Windows, it may indicate a threat, a software driver problem, or a hardware issue. Running Norton Rescue Disk may fix it if a virus causes the problem.
By addressing these potential issues, you can better protect your computer from threats and ensure its optimal performance.
Further recommendations
For additional information on related topics, refer to these resources:
Last modified: 09/04/2026
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