Users.Virus.Spyware
|
 |
Spyware and Adware
Spyware and Adware are an ongoing problem that we've
noticed get worse in the last few months. Spyware and Adware get
installed by visiting certain websites or installing certain programs.
(Such as Search toolbars for Internet Explorer) Spyware and Adware
can cause problems such as:
1)
No connectivity - ie. you can't reach any websites or your email
2) A Browser Hijack - ie. you can get your mail with Outlook
Express, Instant Message, etc. but can't get to web pages
3) Home Page change - Your home page has changed and you may or may not
be able to change it
4) Increased Pop-up ads - Even when you're offline, you might get pop-up
windows
Fortunately, there are programs available that can effectively clean
Spyware and Adware and remove them from your computer. We
recommend Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.3 and Ad-Aware SE which are free programs available at www.download.com.
To get Spybot and clean your computer, follow these directions:
1) Click
HERE to go to the Spybot Page on download.com - if you
cannot go to web pages, give us a call so we can send you the file.
(MAKE SURE THE PAGE IS FOR SPYBOT: SEARCH & DESTROY 1.3)
2)Click on "Download Now"
3) When the File download box pops up, click "Open" or choose "Run this
program from its current location" and then click "OK"
4) After the program downloads, follow the on-screen instructions to
install the program. When done you will have a Spybot - Search &
Destroy icon on your desktop.
5) During Installation, you will be prompted to use "Internet Explorer
protection". Make sure both are checked to ensure the maximum
protection from spyware. Keep in mind that this may prevent you
from downloading certain programs that are known to contain spyware. The
system protection is optional... it will prompt you each time something
is modified in the registry, so we don't recommend you keep this option
checked.
6) When the program runs for the first time, you will be prompted to
make a backup of the registry. Click "Create Registry Backup".
This protects you in case problems arise from removing spyware from your
computer.
You will then be prompted to "Search for Updates". Click the
button and follow the directions to install any updates that may be
available.
A button will also appear to "Immunize this system" - this
feature
blacklists several programs from being installed on the system to
prevent spyware infections. Use this at your own risk - it will
prevent you from installing certain programs online due to spyware/adware
being present.
Continue through the installation by clicking Next.
7) After clicking "Start Using Program", click "Search & Destroy"
8) Click "Check for problems"
9) After Spybot is done scanning, look through the list of things it
has found and make sure ALL items are checked.
10) Click "Fix selected problems"
11) If asked to run spybot on the next startup, click "Yes" and Spybot
will clean the remaining spyware from your computer the next time you
restart your computer.
To
download and install Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition 1.04:
1) Click
HERE to go to the Ad-Aware Page on download.com - if you
cannot go to web pages, give us a call so we can send you the file.
(MAKE SURE THE PAGE IS FOR AD-AWARE SE PERSONAL EDITION 1.04)
2)Click on "Download Now"
3) When the File download box pops up, click "Open" or choose "Run this
program from its current location" and then click "OK"
4) After the program downloads, follow the on-screen instructions to
install the program. When done you will have an Ad-Aware SE
Personal icon on your desktop.
5) Double click the Ad-Aware SE Personal icon on your desktop.
6) Click "Check for Updates now" - Click "Connect" on the window
that pops up next. - If asked if you want to install the update,
click "Ok" - When it is done, click "Finish"
7) After updating, Click the "Start" button in the lower right hand
corner of the window. Click "Next" to start the scan.
8) After Ad-Aware is done scanning, right click on any of the objects
that it found, then left click "Select all objects". All of the
items should be checked.
9) Click "Next" then click "OK" to remove the spyware.
10) If asked to run Ad-Aware on the next startup, click "Yes" and
Ad-Aware
will clean the remaining spyware from your computer the next time you
restart your computer.
If you have any problems, please contact our Technical Support
department at (607) 746-8600.
|
