How to Remove Spyware and Protect your Computer
Step 2: Scanning For Spyware
Spybot S&D is a scanner that will find the spyware that is on your machine and remove it. There are several such programs that you can download, but this one has given us the best results.
When installing Spybot S&D, on the Select Additional Tasks page, uncheck the box labeled "Use system settings protection (TeaTimer)". We will be using a different utility for system settings protection.
Once Spybot S&D is installed, run the program and follow the Start-up Wizard.
- Click on Create registry backup. This can take some time and your computer may seem to freeze, be patient and let it finish.
- Press next and click on Search for updates. It is very important that Spybot S&D is up-to-date when it scans your computer, so that you can find the newest spyware out there.
- On the Mirror Page, use the default by pressing Continue
- In the next window click on
- Click OK once the downloads are done installing and click on the Exit button.
- Press Next and click on the Immunize this system button. You may need to click on the button twice to get it started. Once it says Protected: 162353 (or another large number) your system is properly immunized against many known spyware files.
- Press next and click on Start using the Program.
- The scan usually takes 40 minutes or longer on a slow system to complete. Once the scan is complete press Fix selected problems at the top. Press OK and let it fix the problems. Spyware S&D may not be able to get rid of all the problems and want to run after a restart. If this is the case tell it yes and restart your computer.
- On to Step 3: Protecting your Computer!