Blocked Systems

The steps you need to take to regain Internet access depend on the reason for the block and your operating system.

Warning: Before beginning any changes of the type described below, we want you to be aware that there is always an inherent risk when changing software on any computer. In the worst case, you could lose all the files on your computer. Therefore, we strongly recommend you have current backups of your important data before proceeding.

Macintosh and Linux Systems

If your system is blocked for a copyright violation, you have been notified via email about the steps you must take after removing the copyrighted material.
For blocked systems other than for copyright violations, contact the Solution Center for specific instructions by phone at 515-294-4000, email at , or in person at 195 Durham Center.

Windows Systems

If your system is blocked for a copyright violation, you have been notified via email about the steps you must take after removing the copyrighted material.
If your system has been compromised, we recommend that you back up important personal files, reformat the hard drive, and reinstall the operating system and software. More information can be found at /security/current/#compromised.
If your system has been blocked from the Internet for a virus infection, follow the instructions below to regain access. You must follow all of the steps in the given order to have Internet access restored to your computer.

1. Install the latest critical patches.

The following patches are critical to prevent worms from reinfecting your computer after cleaning. Install them in the order listed:

2. Set passwords on all administrative accounts.

Weak and non-existent passwords are the source of many of the latest viruses. Setting a good password is critical to prevent worms from reinfecting your computer after cleaning.

3. Run Stinger and record any viruses you find.

Stinger is available online or on a disk from the Solution Center, 195 Durham Center. Be sure to record the viruses Stinger finds (you will be asked to submit this list with your unblock request).

Download local copy | Download from NAI (makers of McAfee VirusScan)

Instructions for using Stinger

4. Install up-to-date anti-virus software.

Iowa State students, faculty, and staff can obtain McAfee's VirusScan (for Windows) at no charge and install using Iowa State's Scout utility. Scout can be downloaded from downloads.

How to install VirusScan

Getting the latest virus data files for VirusScan

5. Scan your computer for viruses.

Run a full virus scan on your computer. Record all the viruses you are able to remove (you will be asked to submit this list with your unblock request). If you are unable to remove all viruses found, restart the computer and run the scan again.

Running a System Scan Using VirusScan

If you are still unable to remove all the viruses, start the computer in safe mode and run the scan again from safe mode.

Starting Windows in Safe Mode

6. Submit your request to be unblocked.

If your computer is blocked from Internet access, request an unblock to regain access after the computer is cleaned. To do so, send an email to that includes:

The blocked computer's IP or Internet address. This can be found for the affected computer by going to http://netreg.iastate.edu/.
The list of the viruses you cleaned from your machine (collected in steps 3 and 5 above).
Leave the computer on so it can be verified as clean.

7. Install critical Windows operating system updates.

To install all critical Windows updates, go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/.

8. Set up a plan to maintain operating system updates.

You can set up your computer to be regularly updated using the relevant instructions below.

9. Set up a plan to maintain anti-virus updates.

You can set up VirusScan to get the latest virus updates daily using the relevant instructions below.

Setting up VirusScan to do daily updates

Information Technology