Detecting and Removing Spyware
From Your Home Computer
Preamble: Spyware are programs that silently monitor and report on
computing activities via the Internet. Companies use Spyware to target users with spam and browser pop-ups. More aggressive forms of Spyware change computer settings and can even return private information like passwords and banking information. Fortunately, software exists to detect and remove Spyware. This document focuses on Spybot, a free anti-Spyware utility that increases the speed and security of affected computers. Compatibility: Windows 95/98/NT4/ME/2000/XP
Downloading Spybot
Step 1: Launch an instance of Internet Explorer and point it towards
Step 2: A download should start almost instantaneously. It is always
best to save downloads and run them later. Click the Save button. Direct the download to your desktop or another easy to find spot on your hard drive and click the Save button. Wait for the download to finish.
Installing Spybot
Step 1: Double-click the Spybot file you just downloaded. Click the Run
button to get past the Security Warning dialog box. Then, accept English as the default Setup Language by clicking the OK button.
Step 2: To continue with the install, click the Next button. Accept the
licensing terms, and click the Next button. You must accept to install.
Step 3: Spybot will then suggest an install location. Click the Next
button. Click the Next button again to accept a Full Installation
Step 4: Click the Next button to accept the Start Menu folders. Put a
check in the two Permanent Protection boxes and click the Next button.
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Step 5: Lastly, click the Install button. When the installer finishes its
work, uncheck the two checkboxes and click the Finish button.
Note: It is safe to delete the Spybot download when the install finishes. Launching Spybot
Step 1: Click the Start button and point to Programs. When the Start
menu expands, point to the Spybot – Search & Destroy folder. Then, click the Spybot – Search & Destroy shortcut when the menu expands.
Step 2: If you are running Spybot for the first time, a message box will
warn you about the dangers of removing ad robots. Put a check in the checkbox and click the OK button. The message box will not reappear.
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Step 3: If you are running Spybot for the first time, a message box will
also ask you to create a backup of your registry. Click the Create Registry Backup button. Be prepared to wait a few minutes. After a backup has been created, click the Next button. When prompted to update Spybot and its files, click the Next button (we will do it later).
Step 4: Spybot will then ask permission to start blocking Spyware before
it is downloaded. Click the Immunize this System button and then click the Next button. Lastly, click the Start Using the Program button.
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Checking for Spybot and Spyware Updates
Step 1: Click the Update button in the left-hand pane. Then, click on
Search for Updates in the right-hand pane.
Step 2: If there are updates available, Spybot will list them in the grid at
the bottom of its window. Put a check in the box next to each listed update and click the Download Updates button to install.
Note: Check for updates after install and prior to each scan. Searching 1
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Step 3: If there were updates to the immunization database, you will
also need to restart the engine the blocks Spyware downloads. Click the Immunize button in the left pane and then click the Immunize button.
Removing Spyware
Step 1: Launch an instance of Spybot if it is not already running. Click
the Search & Destroy icon in the left pane. Then, click the Check for Problems button. It will take a few minutes to complete the scan.
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Step 2: Spybot will list the problems it finds. Red entries need
immediate attention! Put a check next to each problem and click the Fix Selected Problems button. Confirm the action by clicking the Yes button.
Note: The removal of some Spyware may necessitate a reboot. Restoring a Fix
Some programs will not work if you remove their ad robots. Kazaa is one such example. Fortunately, Spybot creates restore files to undo changes. That being said, if removing Spyware cripples a program, rather than restoring it, consider switching to a less intrusive application.
Step 1: Launch an instance of Spybot if it is not already running. Click
the Recovery button in the left-hand pane. Put a check next to the items to restore and click the Recover Selected Items button.
Note: Although not recommended, to permanently delete a backup file,
put a check in its box and click the Purge Select Item button.
Developed by the Technical Service Desk Last Revised on Friday, May 18, 2007
