Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

The Internet is full of malware, including viruses and spyware. Your computer is even more vulnerable if it is controlled by the Windows system. But don't worry. This article will tell you how to detect and remove spyware.

Steps

1. 1 Start the Combofix program (http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe or http://www.forospyware.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe) and then delete it.
2. 2 Update Windows. To do this, either start Internet Explorer and click "Tools" - "Windows Update", or click "Start" - "Run" and in the window that opens, enter% SystemRoot% system32 wupdmgr.exe. Restart your computer if necessary. Regular system updates ensure that the system is secure.
3. 3 Download and install anti-spyware such as Spybot Search and Destroy or Lavasoft Adaware or AVG Anti-Spyware. (Review the latest test results to get an idea of ​​how these and other anti-spyware programs work.)
4. 4 Update your anti-spyware databases regularly.
5. 5 Boot into Safe Mode.
6. 6 Scan the system (this may take some time).
7. 7 Remove the detected spyware.
8. 8 Restart your computer and scan your system again.
9. 9 If malware is still present on the system, scan it with your antivirus program. If you don't have antivirus, your ISP may provide one for you. Otherwise, you can buy antivirus software or download it for free on the Internet, for example, AVG Free Antivirus.
10. 10 If the system is still infected, download HijackThis.
11. 11 Run this program and save the log (with the results of its work). Open the site http://forum.hijackthisaid.org and place the saved log in the appropriate section; after a while, you will receive tips on how to remove malware from your computer.

Tips

• Install a good antivirus and anti-spyware program such as McAfee, Avast !, AdwarePro.
• If you are very concerned about computer security, switch to another system like Linux. Most malware targets Windows.
• Use both Spybot and Ad-Aware programs. As a rule, they detect different types of malware.
• Download Firefox browser and use it instead of Internet Explorer. It is a more secure browser.
• Another useful anti-spyware program is Windows Defender.
• Update your system using Microsoft Update. This will lead to the elimination of vulnerabilities in the system and some programs.
• Be careful when visiting sites such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.They can pick up spyware even if you have anti-virus / anti-spyware software installed. Try not to open these sites.
• In Spybot, use the "Immunize" function to protect your system from infiltration of spyware.
• You can boot your computer in Safe Mode and run your antivirus program in it. However, this method is not recommended for inexperienced users.
• If you are using Windows XP, use the System Restore feature. This will remove malware and save you time. After that, update the databases of the security applications.

Warnings

• Do not download files if your antivirus or anti-spyware program warns you of a potential hazard. Downloading files is the most common way to infect a system.
• Some programs (related to malicious code) stop working after removing malware.
• Keep in mind that some spyware binds itself to system files, and deleting them may lead to system instability.
• Read the terms of service and license agreements for any software you install. Some spyware license agreements contain information about data collection.
• Do not download anti-virus and anti-spyware programs advertised in pop-ups or banners. Most likely, such programs contain malicious code (that is, they do not remove it, but install it).
• Antivirus software is not a substitute for antispyware software (and vice versa). Norton and McAfee only detect some spyware.
• Do not surf the Internet if the system contains spyware. In this case, you run the risk of picking up a virus or other malware. If you still need to go online, go to trusted and trusted sites (no blogs, social networks, or other sites full of malware).
• Some malware is hidden in programs installed on your computer. If a window opens with a message that you need to update a particular program by clicking on the button in the pop-up window, do not do it!
• Create a system restore point before removing malware. This will allow you to repair your system if it becomes damaged during the spyware removal process.