Spyware is an insidious type of code that downloads itself from the Internet either ‘piggybacking’ itself on a free ‘fun-type’ of software or disguised as a helpful computer utility offered to the user in a popup message. The best guideline that I can give for users to try to avoid the hassles of Spyware is to not download the ‘extras’ that are so readily available on the Internet and that are free. Sticking with the standard applications and how they are originally configured is a good rule to follow. Even those seemingly helpful Search Bar add-ons for your browser can make your Internet browsing experience turn into a nightmare of popup ads plastered across your Desktop! Anti-virus software does not target Spyware.
From my experiences in ‘fighting’ the ever challenging Spyware battle I have developed a list of actions one can take to increase their likelihood of success. Just keep in mind that Spyware is an ongoing problem that needs to be tackled on a regular basis to keep it within manageable parameters. You will not be able to remove all of it once and then forget about it… unfortunately.
My favorite utility for spyware removal is Spybot S&E:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html
Once you have accessed the link above just click on one of the available download links and download the installer. To install keep clicking ‘Next’, all of the default settings are fine to go with, at the end, click ‘Finish’ and the actual installation takes only seconds!
Your newly installed SpyBot utility will have placed an icon on your Desktop, if not; you can also locate it within Start | Programs. Click to open. Select the language and if there is a message that warns that some applications may no longer work correctly once you run SpyBot, just click OK… those would be the applications that you really don’t want in the first place!
The main screen has numerous options. Simply click on the “Check for Problems” button and sit back and let it do its work
In a few minutes it’ll be finished scanning your hard drive and you’ll be able to view a list of all of the Spyware that is on your computer.
lick on the “Fix selected problems” button. Occasionally you will be presented with a message stating that some of the Spyware is currently in use and can not be removed until the next re-boot. Just say OK.
All of the items marked in RED will show a GREEN check mark when they have been fixed.
There is an ‘Update’ button on the left pane that can be used to obtain the latest data on the newest Spyware.
There are a few more steps for you to take to clear the computer of Spyware.
1. Click on Start | Settings | Control Panel | Add/Remove Programs
2. Look for and remove any of the following:
Aureate; CLPRS; Comet Cursors; eZula; HotText; Gator; GoHip; Kaaza Lite; Radiate; Viewpoint Toolbar; WebHancer; Web Search Toolbar; WebShots; WildTangent; Wild Tangent Game Channel
Also,
While in Internet Explorer clear the Temporary Internet files:
1. Click on: Tools | Internet Options
2. Click on the “Settings” button, then, “View Files”…
then, click on 'Edit' fromm the Toolbar, then 'select all' .... delete all selected.
3. You should also modify the amount of disk space to use for Temporary Internet Files. Set it to 5 MB, click OK
4. Click the ‘Delete Cookies’ button, then you should be all set.
