How to Rid Your Computer of Adware, Spyware and Viruses

Steps

1. Consider switching to Linux.
2. Make sure that you keep Windows updated at all times. There is a link at the bottom of the page that will connect you to the site that allows you to do this.
3. If you are having issues with pop ups, consider downloading Ad-Aware. This program will scan your computer for the annoying pop ups (commonly known as "adware") and eliminate them. Be sure to update Ad-aware often! Also, consider downloading a browser that blocks pop ups. Mozilla Firefox is one of these, and there are plugins for Internet Explorer that also block pop ups.
4. Download Spybot: Search and Destroy. Be sure to update the program before using. Click the "Immunize" button on the left as soon as it is installed in order to protect your computer from future harm. Then proceed to scan. Do not be alarmed if it finds a multitude of problems, just be sure to fix all of them.
5. Download SpywareDoctor and install the latest updates. Be sure to enable all protection. This program will keep your computer from accessing sites that install malware.
6. Download and install Antivir from http://www.free-av.com/ (Not suggested when using McAfee or Norton)
7. Download and install AVG Antivirus from http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php
8. Download and install SiteAdvisor from McAfee from http://www.siteadvisor.com/download/ie.html for Internet Explorer users or http://www.siteadvisor.com/download/ff.html for Firefox Users
9. If you are using Internet Explorer web browser, prevent things like this from happening by switching to Mozilla FireFox or Opera or Safari, as they don t have the same vulnerabilities.

Tips

• Before you run a scan, shut down all windows and applications (including any open email apps) and then disconnect your computer from the internet. The easiest way to do this is to disconnect the phone line or cable that connects your computer to the modem.
• If you have a virus and want to get rid of it make sure that Windows system Restore (under start>accessories>system tools) is turned off before running a scan. If you don't do that, viruses may stay dormant in the system restoration files and then reinfect you.
• Consider running in Safe Mode. When booting up in Safe Mode, this allows only the most essential processes to be activated. And while doing this it will ensure that the vast majority of adware/spyware files will be killed, but it doesn't guarantee it. Once you are up and running in safe mode, open your anti-spyware program and allow it to run a complete scan, thus allowing it to remove any last traces of infections found.
• After you have removed all active infections, you will have to make sure it doesn't reinfest when you are connecting back to the internet. After the scan is finished, reset any and all home pages and browsers. Go to the add/remove programs and check and see if there are any applications that are associated with the adware/spyware and if so, uninstall it /them. Make sure that no HOSTS files have been hijacked and that no unwanted websites have been added to your Trusted Sites.
• Use HijackThis and OSAM Autorun Manager to analyze your computer and to diagnose what is being started up each time you switch on your computer.

Warnings

• Hoax Spyware busters. Visit http://www.spywarewarrior.com/ for more details on fake programs. A lot of times adware and spyware vendors will use files that work to keep the infection active no matter how hard you try and remove it. Sometimes even your adware/spyware scanner programs can't even remove them.
• Don't click banner to install "anti-spyware". Some "anti-spyware" are real spyware. The "anti-spyware" is not actually a spyware remover, but an installer! Before you download any anti-spyware tool, go to www.softwarepedia.com or www.spywarefreecertification.com to check if it's certified "spyware free".

Things You'll Need

• A computer running Windows
• Internet access

Sources and Citations

• Microsoft Security Homepage
• Ad-aware homepage
• Spybot: Search and Destroy homepage
• Google Toolbar homepage
• Mozilla Homepage
• Combine free anti spyware programs for better removal
• Spyware Doctor Homepage
• Spyware Detection
• Softpedia.com
• Spyware Free Certification
• How to Start Windows XP in Safe Mode

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