Scan, reboot, repeat
Scan the system with the anti-spyware scanner and allow it to remove
any adware/spyware it finds. Then reboot the PC, regardless of
whether you were prompted to do so by the scanner.
After the reboot, and before
reconnecting to the Internet, scan again. If the scanner still
reports signs of infestation, allow it to remove any traces and
reboot again. After the reboot, scan a third time. If the scanner
still reports signs of spyware and adware, or you still feel there
are traces not being detected by the scanner, the following tips
will help.
Use Safe Mode
Spyware and adware vendors often use resuscitators, files that work
to keep the adware/spyware infection active no matter how hard you -
or the scanners - try to remove it. Booting into Safe Mode causes
allows only the most essential processes to activate. While this
won't guarantee all adware/spyware resuscitators will be killed, it
does ensure the vast majority will be. Once in Safe Mode, open your
anti-spyware scanner and run a complete scan, allowing it to remove
any traces of infection found.
Undo the Damage
After removing the active infection, you'll need to make sure it
won't simply reintegrate itself when the system is reconnecting to
the Internet.
-
After the scan is complete, reset
your browser start and home pages.
-
Next, ensure your HOSTS file hasn't
been hijacked.
-
Make sure undesirable websites
haven't been added to your Trusted Sites Zone.
-
Check the Add/Remove Programs and
uninstall any applications you recognize as being associated with
the adware and/or spyware.
After following the tips above,
reconnect the phone line or cable to the modem, reboot the PC
normally, and access the Internet.
An ounce of prevention
The best spyware and adware remedy is avoiding the infestation to
begin with. Protect your computer with
Anti-Spyware
Tools |
