How to beat spyware, step-by-step (Part 1)

Mon Aug 7, 2006 2:09PM EDT

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I've had so many readers email me of late with spyware problems that I figured a detailed tutorial on how to get rid of it was in order.

Got spyware? Here's how I handle infestations, step by step. (You might want to bookmark this page... just in case.)

1) Boot in safe mode. You can get to safe mode (a simplified version of Windows that disables a lot of extra gunk, possibly including some spyware apps) by restarting your PC and tapping F8 during boot. Soon you'll get a menu of options. Select "Safe Mode" (it's at the top of the menu) and wait for the machine to fully boot. The system will look funny (with a black background and larger icons, probably), but don't worry about it. This is only temporary. (Also note that some very nasty spyware applications can disable safe mode, so if you find this doesn't work, just boot normally.)

2) Run your antivirus application. This is of course assuming you have an antivirus application. You're in safe mode now, so run a full scan of your PC at maximum security levels (include the option to scan within compressed files, for example). This will probably take an hour or more, so be patient. Fix any problems the virus scan turns up. Reboot into safe mode again using the procedure in step 1.

3) Run two anti-spyware applications (or more). Not all anti-spyware apps will find all spyware infections, so you really have to use more than one. I run SpyBot and AdAware (both are free), and if you have a third application, go ahead and run it too. The more the merrier. Of course, fix anything and everything the apps find.

4) Reboot normally. (Not in safe mode.) Now take stock. Still got spyware? It's time to move along to my more advanced techniques for removing the nasties.

Continued in Part 2...

Comments on 4th of July fireworks photography tips

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  • 1 Posted by pb_enial on Wed Jun 24, 2009 5:15PM EDT Report Abuse

    Thanks for the tip. Just bought a Canon A480.

  • 2 Posted by alexgannis on Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    You're 100% correct thanks, I made some great shot last year on my Canon 40D ISO 100 bulb setting. bulb is not a fla----- s a setting in pro camera manuel mode.

  • 3 Posted by lubbcraig on Thu Jun 25, 2009 7:17AM EDT Report Abuse

    i guess this is a yearly post for you eh? XD

  • 4 Posted by rogueist on Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:20AM EDT Report Abuse

    You forgot the most important tip - dont stand over the fireworks expecting to catch a firecracker (or M80) exploding on the ground, or a bottle rocket or roman candle as they launch.

  • 5 Posted by gullwingdoors on Thu Jun 25, 2009 10:13AM EDT Report Abuse

    Good article. I think I'll try some of this stuff with my A590IS. Another tip for those whose camera does not have those settings, if it is a Cannon, try the CHDK firmware. http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK It adds a ton of extra features including the ones mentioned in this article (rapid fire, long exposures, etc).

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