How to beat spyware, step-by-step (Part 2)

(Continued from Part 1)

If you've gotten this far, you have a more serious spyware infection. All is not lost, but we've got some more tricks that might fix you up. At this point, make sure all of your data is backed up (to the extent possible), because drastic steps may soon be required.

5) Run HijackThis. HijackThis is a free software tool that scans your computer to find homepage hijackers, one of the most common types of spyware applications right now and the type that standard spyware software is least likely to be able to remove). Scroll down to "Official downloads" to download the tool. Next, simply open the ZIP file you downloaded, extract the application, and run the tool (you don't need to install it). Click the "Do a system scan and save a logfile" button. You'll receive a large text file as well as a dialog box (pictured) which gives you a list of active software processes, which you can then choose to delete. Unfortunately, this list includes both helpful and unhelpful software, so don't just start deleting items. Continue in step 6 to figure out how to fix your spyware infection.

6) Post your log file online. Visit this page, which offers a list of forums staffed by volunteers who can help you interpret your HijackThis log. The SWI Forums are especially busy, but most of the forums on the list are equally apt. And if you click the previous link, you'll see a "Malware Removal" forum which has over 50,000 topics listed: Those are all people like you who are seeking help getting rid of spyware. Register for an account, read the FAQ, then visit that Malware Removal forum, and post a new topic. Paste the content of the text file you created in step 5 into this topic and (politely) ask for help. You will get a response from a volunteer helper, typically within 3 days. You'll be given specific advice on what entries to remove with the HijackThis tool, and you might be pointed to additional software to run to help remove common spyware infections. Follow all the instructions and keep working with the forum helpers until either you or they give up. (And no, don't send your log file to me. I am not nearly the spyware removal expert that these guys are.)

7) Try System Restore (Windows XP only). If that doesn't work, you might try running Windows System Restore to roll back your OS to a time before the infection happened. This isn't foolproof: You might not have System Restore turned on, or the spyware might have shut System Restore off, as well. But it's worth a shot. System Restore can be found under Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

8) Give up and wipe your hard drive. At this point, you've exhausted all the options I know of. You might try again at step 6 to make sure you've done everything you can to salvage the PC. Forum helpers will often work with you for weeks to help fight a spyware infection, but there are tens of thousands of possible variants out there, with new ones cropping up every day. It's just not possible to clean them all, every time. Sometimes the only thing you can do is call it quits, reformat your hard drive, and reinstall your OS. Again, make sure you have your backups ready and verified. Once you're up and running, reinstall your antivirus and anti-spyware applications, and stay vigilant against infection. Good luck.