Forgot to post the Spyware/Adware removal instructions
STEPS TO REMOVE EASY SPYWARE and ADWARE - TRY FIRST
1. Go to
www.lavasoftusa.com and download a free copy of Ad-Aware. Install
Ad-Aware and at the main program screen, click on Check for updates and
download the latest update. (be sure and check for updates each new day
that you scan as updates are released several times each month.)
2. Click Start to start the scan. When the scan has finished, hit Next.
At the results screen, right-click on any check box and choose Select all
objects. Hit Next or Finish to quarantine items found. Repeat the scan
until zero objects are found. If repeated scans will not remove some
spyware, jump to step 2 below.
STEPS TO REMOVE STUBBORN SPYWARE and ADWARE - TRY SECOND
1. Go to
www.lavasoftusa.com and download a free copy of Ad-Aware. Install
Ad-Aware and at the main program screen, click on Check for updates and
download the latest update. (be sure and check for updates each new day
that you scan as updates are released several times each month.) Close the
program.
2. Right-click on My Computer and select Properties. Hit the System
Restore tab and check the box to Disable System Restore. Hit OK and then
shut down your computer.
3. Disconnect your network connection.
Upon rebooting and if your system is already set to show hidden files and
folders, skip to step 5.
4. Open My Computer and click on View, Folder Options, View Options, and
check the box to Show Hidden Files and Folders. Hit OK.
5. Browse to c:\documents and settings\<username>\local settings\temp and
empty the folder. Browse to c:\windows\temp or c:\winnt\temp whichever the
case may be and empty the folder. Empty your Recycle Bin.
6. Open your Internet Explorer (IE), click on Tools, Internet Options, and
hit Delete Files. Close IE.
7. Start Ad-Aware and then start the system scan. When the scan finishes,
hit Next. At the results screen, right-click on any check box and choose
Select all objects. Hit Next or Finish to quarantine items found.
If you have more than one user account on your machine, repeat steps 5
through 7 while logged into each account.
8. IMPORTANT - Repeat the scan over and over and over until there are zero
items found. Sometimes this may take 3 or more scans. If you get to a
point where a stubborn few will just not remove, post a message at the
Ad-Aware support forum at
www.lavasoftsupport.com and an expert will gladly
help you.
9. Right-click on My Computer, click the System Restore tab, and uncheck
the box to Disable System Restore so that System Restore is now re-enabled.
Reconnect your network connection.
Spyware/Adware Do's and Dont's
1. Be careful where you click. (weblinks, spam, etc..) FREE on the
Internet in most cases means you will pay the price of spyware, adware,
spam, etc. and everything that goes with it to repair your system.
Particularly when it comes to installing FREE software.
2. READ Terms of Service (TOS) before you agree to anything. Particularly
on company sites you are unfamiliar with. Example:
www.abcnews.com most
likely won't install spyware or adware on your system. A site like
www.joesfreesoftware.net likely will install spyware or adware on your
system.
3. Stay away from porno and casino sites. If you must, limit yourself to
one reputable site each as these are some of the worst offenders.
4. Whenever you notice unexpected new toolbars on your browser, unexpected
pop-up ads, changed home pages, scan your system with Ad-Aware. Stopping
spyware in it's tracks immediately helps avoid it from multiplying and
increased removal time and steps.
5. Look for the warning signs and scan your system early and also regularly
with Ad-Aware. Don't wait for it get so bad that the spyware/adware
overtakes your system and you are dead in the water.
NOTE: There are many different spyware detection programs available and
Ad-Aware is just one of them. Program results from some of these other
spyware programs are difficult for many pc users to understand. Removing
the wrong files or registry settings with these programs can render other
programs on your machine inoperable. Ad-Aware in my opinion is easiest for
most users to understand and gets the job done. Some people may tell you
that you need 3, 4, or even 5 different spyware programs installed to remove
spyware from your machine. Nonsense. Follow the above steps and you will
find that all you need is 1. Also, catch your spyware early enough and all
you have to do is step 7 to get rid of spyware. But don't forget to check
for updates each new day that you scan. The paid version of Ad-Aware will
automatically check for updates for you.
