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Let's face it, everyone gets spyware. You can tell that you have spyware if your computer is running slower than usual, you keep getting popups, and weird programs are running on your computer. Here is a quick tutorial of how to get rid of spyware on your own. If you're still experiencing problems after following the steps, you should bring your computer to the UNet Help Desk for a better look.
Most spyware infections can be cleaned up without the need to reformat the computer or reinstall Windows. Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy, Brandeis' preferred spyware protection software, also scan a computer to defend against spyware attacks.
Download Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy when you are ready to rid your computer of spyware.
Both programs work similarly to virus scanners - they check the files of your computer with a list of known spyware. In order to have the best results, you should make sure the programs are updated frequently. The most important thing to remember is that you cannot run both scanners at the same time. Doing so will corrupt the programs and will harm your computer.
Check the System Tray (the lower-right-hand corner of your Windows desktop) for suspicious-looking icons that didn't come with your computer. If you right-click on them, you can often get a menu with more options. Note that Windows XP often hides some System Tray icons. If you see a double left-pointing arrowhead, click on it to show the hidden icons.
When you encounter a suspicious program, attempt to close the program in the System Tray. Note whether the program closes successfully, and whether it reappears upon restart. If it does reappear, go on to the next step.
Go to the Start menu, press Settings, and then Control Panel (in Windows XP, you may not need to press Settings). Once in the Control Panel, open "Add/Remove Programs." Check for programs that you don't remember installing, or are related to the program you found on the System Tray. Be careful not to remove system files or patches!
Some programs will try to take you to the web, or fail to be removed in Add/Remove Programs. Almost all of these files are spyware of some kind. You may want to try running a different spyware tool, or using the MSConfig feature to turn off any system registry entries related to the spyware.
If you need more help, we strongly recommend that you call the UNet Help Desk at 781-529-UNET with any spyware infection that cannot be removed by your spyware removal tool and persists after finishing these steps. Removing spyware on your own can damage your system if not done correctly.
