System restore can keep new virus threat in check

Q While online I got infected by the VirusHeat program. I got two security-related icons on my desktop and one on my toolbar that took me to the VirusHeat Web page, which is about PC security. I used the instructions on Symantec's antivirus website to try to remove the VirusHeat software, but my PC is still infected, and it freezes about every two minutes until I close a dialog box. Any suggestions?

WALLY BERGLUND, MAPLE GROVE

A VirusHeat surfaced on the Internet in February, but it's only a threat if you install it on your PC. Symantec calls it a "misleading application that may give exaggerated reports of threats" to your PC.

Since you've already tried Symantec's removal method (others can find it at www.startribune.com/a4375), try using the Windows System Restore feature to return your computer's registry (which contains the settings for the PC's hardware and software) to a date before VirusHeat was installed. (It and other programs installed since that date will stop working.) To find System Restore, go to Start, click Help and Support, search for System Restore and click "Run the System Restore Wizard."

Q I would like to store my photos and iTunes music on an external hard drive so that I can delete them from my PC's internal drive and free up space. Do these external drives crash frequently? How reliable are flash drives for long-term storage?

LARRY RICCA, LAS VEGAS

A Disk crashes aren't that frequent, although any hard drive will fail eventually because it has mechanical parts that wear out. Flash memory also eventually will wear out from use, even though it lacks moving parts. However, flash memory is the more expensive of the two, so today it's more practical to store a large volume of photos or music on a disk drive.

But you're defeating the purpose of backup storage if you copy data to an external hard drive, then delete it from your PC's hard disk. For safety, store your data on both the external hard drive and on one or more burnable CDs. (Also note that you'll need to reimport your music to iTunes if you move it to a different disk drive.)

Q When I use Google to search for the Web links in your column, I can't find the Web pages. What's wrong?

WALLACE ULLRICH, APPLE VALLEY

A Those Star Tribune Web links aren't real Web page addresses; they're a code that's translated by StarTribune.com into the correct addresses. Instead of using Google, just type the Web links into your browser. The links are shorter and easier to type than the actual addresses.

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