Spyware and Adware Removal

Author: Ian Cunningham
Published on: 27-09-2004
Views: 143632


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Software Solutions

The applications that can secure your PC

There are 5 main pieces of software that will secure your PC, and provide a cover from almost any adware/spyware threat. All of these pieces of software will be covered in the following pages.

AdAware is a free application (although there are move advanced paid versions) which specialises in removing Adware and Spyware only. This is probably the easiest spyware/adware remover for a novice.

SpywareBlaster is protection for IE/Mozilla/Firefox, but it will stop ActiveX controls and harmful items before they can be accepted by your PC.

Spybot - Search and Destroy can pick up items that the other adware removers can sometimes miss, and is a worth while install.

Anti-Virus software can remove most trojans that can often accompany spyware/adware, as long as it is updated regularly. Good antivirus software can be picked up for around £20/year, but free versions almost as good are available.

Firewall protection will cover nasty trojans which could allow access to your PC. Windows XP comes with basic protection, but a good secondary firewall with give added protect. Plenty of free products are available, although paid versions do have extra features.

To get complete protection and prevention from spyware/adware, you will need all of the above applications. Any good anti-virus and firewall will do, but only free options will be discussed in this article.

AdAware

How to install, configure and run AdAware

Adaware is one of the easiest Spyware removal tools available, and also includes free updates on a regular basis. Adaware does not prevent spyware from being installed, but is a good cure for removing it. Once the software has been downloaded and installed, the following screen is presented:

It is important to update the definition files each time you run the software. Click "Check for updates now" and then "connect" once the new window appears. Accept the installation by clicking "OK" and AdAware will then download a file from the main Lavasoft servers which keeps the software up-to-date with any new adware/spyware infections. If you run the application often, there may be no updates for a few days (and a dialog box will pop-up with a message to this effect).

The default settings that come with AdAdware SE are sufficient for most users, but they can be access via the gear wheel icon at the top of the application.

To start the scan, click "Start" and then tick "Perform Full System Scan" and then untick "Search for negligible risk entries". This will make sure all of the system is thoroughly scanned, but no-risk items such as cookies are ignored for the most part. After the scan is configured, click "next" to start the process.

Adaware will then scan your hard disk, registry and system memory for any known spyware/adware applications. It is recommended that you tick all the objects that AdAware finds and click next to quarantine them.

You can always restore or delete items from the quarantine if your system requires some of those files, or delete them to save space.