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

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  • 46 Posted by rkahn on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:42PM EDT Report Abuse

    From my experience, the freeware versions of any anti-threat software will identify, but not clean, most infections. This is ill advised as s free fix if the user is not familiar with th registry, and may render their computer unbootable. Sorry if this suggestion was left later in the chain. -Rossta

  • 47 Posted by ronherrmannsr@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    have spyware on comp to address the whereabouts the teenagers that use this machine are going if i run spybot it tries to dislodge my intened program. how can someone get by this problem.

  • 48 Posted by samkneads on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:01PM EDT Report Abuse

    Everyone should add aaaaaaaaaa@aaaaaaaa.com to their address books. If some malware should slip through and try to send out spam from your computer this aaaaaa address will stop it cold. This is not a fix, but at least you will know that something is not right when you start getting messages saying mail can not be sent. And you will not be sending out zombie mail.

  • 49 Posted by dbkeel1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    Christopher, any thoughts about CCleaner?

  • 51 Posted by omegamanstyle on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    How to Beat Spyware, Step by Step (Redux) Step 1: Throw out all your zombie machines (read Windows). Step 2: Get a Mac Step 3: Never spend anymore time or money worrying about visuses, malware, or zombie hordes (except the ones emailing you)

  • 52 Posted by maryjpete on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    sure they run through your system for free, but, to fix anything cost $$. so i don't see where it is free. jerry

  • 53 Posted by ndj1212@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:34PM EDT Report Abuse

    Ithought this was a little interesting, explorer blocks the down load of ccleaner, but doesn't really say why. Have you had problems with that when downloading some of this free software? adn Should I go ahead and select option to allow download?

  • 54 Posted by cabrobst on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:16PM EDT Report Abuse

    How do I find spyware on an Apple?

  • 55 Posted by mlhphoto@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:23PM EDT Report Abuse

    Yes, I also have a Mac and have been told not to worry. I'll be watching for your answer to "cabrobst".

  • 58 Posted by butlervl@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:15PM EDT Report Abuse

    I am having a problem with "Internet Speed Monitor" which is popping 10 -15 ads at a time, some of which are not suitable for children. I understand this is a "trojan"?? I was directed to Add/Remove Programs to remove it... however it is hidden and I can't get rid of it! What do I do????

  • 59 Posted by iluvtim152003 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:23PM EDT Report Abuse

    i'm a total technology failure. i'm confused with some terminology. what exactly does it mean to "take stock"? HELP! please! save this ignorant person.

  • 62 Posted by savesingh_gamad on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:06PM EDT Report Abuse

    After the count freebie spyware programs and many working, I stated up getting CounterSpy featured in PC World. It works and I also don't use Mozilla as a browser. If I need to run Explorer, then I make sure that I run a scan at the end of the night wit.....................it is a great product.since ever seen in my life..............

  • 63 Posted by savesingh_gamad on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:06PM EDT Report Abuse

    After the count freebie spyware programs and many working, I stated up getting CounterSpy featured in PC World. It works and I also don't use Mozilla as a browser. If I need to run Explorer, then I make sure that I run a scan at the end of the night wit.....................it is a great product.since ever seen in my life..............

  • 64 Posted by rogueist on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    I see some people mentioning some other things, here is my list of what I have installed and run: For Windows XP: * Firefox replaces Internet Explorer * Opera as secondary browser * Thunderbird replaces Outlook * Comodo Antivirus * Comodo Firewall * Comodo BOClean * AdAware * CounterSpy * Spy Protector * Security Task Manager * XoftSpy * X-Setup Pro * Registry Mechanic For Windows VISTA (some previous applications do not work): * Firefox replaces Internet Explorer * Opera as secondary browser * Thunderbird replaces Outlook * AVAST Antivirus * Comodo Firewall * Comodo BOClean * AdAware * CounterSpy ------ I have not found a replacement for the other tools under VISTA yet - security tools fail to run or install on VISTA alot.

  • 65 Posted by fimimix@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    I use "StopSign" which runs in the background. If my computer is on but is idle, I always get a review. HOWEVER, I always have the same spyware cookies........although they are deleted with each scan (daily), they are right back. Do some spyware have an auto incursion in a computer ?

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