Spyware and Malware Removal – Links and Hints

Do you have spyware on your system? Here are some suggestions for removal and hints for keeping it off in the future.

Spyware is everywhere. It uses Internet Explorer exploits, viruses, and lies to get software on your computer.

If you are here, you probably have spyware already. Here are some common tools to help you remove it.

Removal Tools:

Bazooka
Spybot
Adaware
AboutBuster
SpywareBlaster
SpywareGuard
A-Squared Free
Hijack This
CoolWebSearch – CWShredder
BSO Demon
WinPatrol
Stinger Removal

After you install the program, make sure you update it to the latest version. If you do not have success installing or running the above programs or if the programs do not completely clear the bugs, you should try again after Booting Into Safe Mode

Tutorials For Installing, Updating, and Using Spybot and Adware can be found here

Online Trojan Scanners:

WindowSecurity Trojan Scan
A-Squared Online Scan

Suggestions for Keeping Spyware Off:

1. Keep your computer up to date: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
2. Consider running a browser other than IE such as Firefox
3. Use an antivirus program and keep it updated.
4. If you install something and realize that it is spyware, try Recovering from a Restore Point
5. Run a firewall (even the one included in SP2).
6. Tighten-up your Internet connection.
[list]
1. Open your Control Panel.
2. Click Internet Options.
3. Click the Security Tab.
4. Click Internet.
5. Click Custom Level.
6. Activate the following settings:

[list]Download Signed ActiveX Controls -> prompt
Download Unsigned Active X Controls -> disable
Initialize and script Active X controls not marked as safe -> disable
Run Active X controls and plug-ins -> enable
Script Active X controls marked safe for scripting -> enable
Java permissions -> high safety (if available)
Access data sources across domains -> disable
Launching programs and files in an IFRAME -> prompt
Installation of Desktop items -> prompt
Navigate sub-frames across different domains ->prompt

If you cannot open your Task Manager by CTRL-ALT-DEL, try this tech-recipe.