~ How To Remove Spyware?

  By Scott Mielentz

 

This is a continuation on last months’ article, “What is spyware?”

 

A couple of warnings first: Removing spyware is as much an art as it is science. The rogues who create spyware make removing their malicious programs as difficult as they can. In addition, some types of spyware download and install additional components, often hiding pieces of code from Windows to make removal even harder. The instructions below will wipe out most forms of spyware, but your machine's infestation may resist these measures. If so, you may have to consult a professional PC repair person. Or you can start fresh by backing up your data, reformatting your hard drive and then reloading Windows

 

Caveat Emptor, removing spyware with the listed applications below, can render your PC inoperable; do so at your own risk!

Download Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool from Microsoft www.microsoft.com and search out this download. Start by running the Malicious Software Removal Tool. This program is designed to search for and destroy only a small fraction of malware, but the ones it finds are the most serious strains of spyware and virus you can get. Then download spybot search and destroy, once installed run the updates and do a full system scan, reboot and do it again.

 

If the above referenced does not work, then try booting your computer into safe mode, by pressing the f8 key upon startup. And re run the above applications.

 

Till next time happy computing!

Scott Mielentz

Mac/PC TechOnCall

www.techoncall.biz

 

Editors Note: This article was seen last November however with upcoming holiday season and more computer activity it seemed appropriate to rerun for those that might have missed it. Thanks to Scott Mielentz, owner of Mac/PC TechOnCall for making this column possible. The above comments were in response to a question or problem encountered by one of our Heights residents. We hope you found the information useful and informative. If you have computer related questions you can email techoncall@adelphia.net. We welcome your comments.