Guide for Eliminating Spyware, Adware, and Random Popups

[E-Liam]

Hi everyone,

As this is now a sticky, I thought I'd recommend a few programs that are free, and work very well.

Adaware

Before you scan with AdAware, check for updates of the reference file by clicking Check for updates now, and following the prompts.

Now to set it up for optimum performance...

Make sure the following settings are configured. Remember that ON=GREEN.

From the main window click Start | Activate in-depth scan.

Then click Use custom scanning options | Customize and have these options switched ON...

Scan within archives
Scan active processes
Scan registryDeep scan registry
Scan my IE Favourites for banned URLs
Scan my host-files

Then click the Settings button.. (the gear icon on the top row) then Tweak | Scanning engine and check..

Unload recognised processes during scanning.
Cleaning engine.
Let windows remove files in use at next reboot.

and uncheck..

Automatically try to unregister objects prior to deletion.

Then click Proceed, to save your settings.

Now click the Scan button.

When scan is finished, check the little box to the left of each entry to select them for removal, and get rid of them.

Then reboot.

You only need to configure Adaware once, but you should check for the latest updates each time you use it.

Spybot S&D

To configure Spybot, click on Settings, and Settings again. Go to the Webupdate section, and check Display also available beta versions.

Now press Online, and search for, and put a check mark next to all updates, and install following the prompts.

Next, close all Internet Explorer windows, and click Check for Problems. Once the scan is complete, have SpyBot remove all it finds marked in RED.

Then reboot.

Again, check for updates each time you use the program.

Other useful programs to include in your Security Kit.

SpywareBlaster

SpywareGuard

IE-SpyAd

You should also make sure that you have both a Firewall, and an up-to-date Anti-Virus program installed. Here are a few links to some free Firewall programs...

Zone Alarm

Sygate

Kerio

..and Anti-Virus programs...

AVG

Avast

AntiVir, although, during the present problems with DOS (denial of service) attacks on many security sites (this one included), you can alternatively download from here.

Of course having the latest Windows Updates is vital. Go here, click Scan for updates in the main frame, and download and install all CRITICAL updates recommended, being careful to follow any recommendations for individual installation, where appropriate.

There are many other programs advertised on the web, but all those above come highly recommended by the security community.

If you have further problems, then please visit either theTechGuy Forum, or TechSupportForum, where I or one of the other chaps, will be happy to help further.

This isn't an advert for either, it's just that I fully understand your forum's policy on wanting to keep away from indepth technical help, such as we carry out on those boards.

I hope that this post has some useful advice for all of you...

Cheers

Liam