Spyware, Adware, Malware, Badware....whatever you choose to call it, it's a problem. Chances are that you or someone you know has or will experience some sort of 'ware' infection on a computer and it can be frustrating. Some of the
signs that a computer might be infected by spyware or adware include a slower than normal computer, homepage has been changed and you didn't change it, excessive popups, browser search page has be hijacked, higher than normal phone bill etc...
Read on for general instructions on how to remove spyware.
- Backup all your personal data.
- Download,install and update anti-spyware
software - here you have two choices, you can download
free anti-spyware software or you can purchase
anti-spyware. (If you don't have up-to-date anti-virus software
you can get
free anti-virus software here, or purchase
anti-virus here.)
If you are a home user and you are going to
use free anti-spyware software I recommend using four programs
to clean an infected computer. These are not in any specific order.
SpyBot
Search & Destroy - anti-spyware software, AdAware
- Personal Edition - anti-spyware software, Windows
Defender (WinXP) - anti-spyware software and finally HiJackThis.
(For more information about running HiJackThis click
here.) In my experience, I have found that runnin all of these
programs simultaneously will remove most, if not all spyware/adware.
- Download, install and update a personal
firewall. Click
here to learn what a firewall is, and how to turn on the Windows
XP firewall.
- Download, install, update and run anti-virus software if you haven't already. (If any viruses are found remember to turn off system restore then remove the virus.)
- Use Windows
Update to make sure your operating system and browser are up-to-date
with the latest security patches.
- Disconnect from the Internet and run the anti-spyware software in safe mode and remove any critical items found. For information on how to start a computer in safe mode - click here.
- While still in safe mode, run msconfig and search the start-up menu for suspicious start-up items. Use this link to look up the process name and remove if necessary.
- Reboot the computer in normal mode and run the anti-spyware applications again.
- Reconnect to the Internet and see check to see if there are any signs of spyware.
Not all Spyware can be removed easily. It takes patience and persistence
to remove some of the most stubborn infections.
As a last resort you can
reinstall Windows but, if you choose this solution you will lose all of your data stored on the hard drive.
Once your computer is spyware-free, keep it that way by not visiting questionable websites, verifying that the free software you are about to download is spyware-free (always read the EULA (End User License Agreement) before you install any free software), and do not open email attachments from unknown sources!
Also - use a more secure web browser such as
Mozilla Firefox to help prevent infections in the future.
www.vermontpcsolutions.com