Manually Removing Spyware | Best Resources for Getting Rid of Spyware on your PC
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How to Manually Remove Spyware From Your PC
I've been a computer consultant for a few years now and I've been using this method consistently and generally to remove alot of adware and spyware prevalent on today's computers. There are a lot of things to consider, but I will try to keep this as simple as possible in order for most users to get the most of it.
This lens may get a bit technical, but I can tell you that the outlined methods have been generally used over and over to remove adware and spyware.
Prerequisites
Freeware programs to assist in cleaning spyware out of your PC
Process Explorer is a more descriptive task manager which displays more information about the invisible and visible processes running in the background. You will be using this tool to find out what suspected processes are running.
Autoruns is used to see all the startup items that run when your computer is initially turned on. A lot of spyware programs tend to insert entries here so that they are ran as soon as you load Windows.
Download here:
Process Explorer - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.mspx
Autoruns - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/utilities/Autoruns.mspx
Process Explorer
Autoruns
Manually Remove that Spyware!
Follow these steps to remove suspicious spyware and adware
**Note: This is highly simplified to make it easier for users to apply.
Remove Suspicious Installed Programs
These range from things like games, search assistants, toolbars, etc.
Steps:
1. Click "Start" then "Run..."
2. Type "appwiz.cpl" and click "OK"
3. You should be in the "Add/Remove Programs" Box. Scroll to the list of programs that seem like games, toolbars, search assistants
4. If you are unsure, type the name of the program in Google.
5. Click "Remove" for each instance.
6. Repeat for each program that may be suspicious.
7. Close the program when finished.
Look for Suspicious Running Processes
Steps:
1. Run "Process Explorer" (Remember where you downloaded it?)
2. A lot spyware and adware tend not to have a "Description" and a "Company Name" or a strange name. You should see most of the processes that are by the Microsoft Corporation.
3. If you see a suspicious process, type the name in google to see if is a known spyware.
4. If it is, right-click and click on "Kill Process".
5. Repeat for any other suspicious programs.
6. Close Process Explorer when you are finished.
Remove Suspicious Startup Items
These range from things like games, search assistants, toolbars, etc.
Steps:
1. Run "Autoruns" from where you downloaded the file.
2. Click on the "Logon" tab
3. Look for the names of the programs that were suspicious from the previous procedures.
4. Generally, spyware and adware tend not to have "Description" or "Publisher" information
5. If you are unsure, type the name in Google to see if it is a known spyware.
6. Uncheck those that you do not want running when you startup the computer.
7. Repeat for other entries.
8. Reboot the computer.
The next steps are for cleaning the files from your PC as well as for preventative maintenance.
Remove the Rest of the Spyware with these Tools!
Download of these tools for a Free scan
After you use the free scan, it is important to maintain proactive care and maintenance to prevent any spyware. Make sure you use one of these continually so you can prevent future infections.
XoftSpySE
Highly Recommended! This has a clean looking interface and effective adword/spyware remover. Does a good job of cleaning spyware and is updated frequently.
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE SCAN
Noadware.net - Spyware/Adware Remover
Another excellent alternative! This is also recommended as an excellent choice for cleaning out suspicious spyware.
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE SCAN
AdawareAlert.com
This is also a recommended alternative. Intuitive interface and easy to use. Very effective and a very decent database of spyware definitions.
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE SCAN
Reader Feedback
Boneca wrote...
Protect my computer and eliminate the bugs and viruses.
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Posted December 29, 2008
Boneca wrote...
Protect your PC.
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Posted December 29, 2008
NoSpywareAllowed wrote...
Great information on manually removing spyware -- Your lens could really help someone with these nasty pc bugs! You might also like to take a look at my lens on Super AntiSpyware Review. It gets rid of spyware that the top name spyware programs miss & helped me out immensely!
Posted July 28, 2008
Junyuan wrote...
Very detailed lens on how to remove spyware manually from our computers. Everything's explained in such a detailed step-by-step manner which makes it very easy for anyone to follow. I've given you 5 stars for your lens, and added it to my favorites. This is a really good lens! Great work! ;) You may want to check out my lens on tips to prevent spyware as well as reviews on the top anti-spyware programs. Appreciate your comments on my lens! ;)
Posted June 11, 2008
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