Don't pay your hard-earned money to purchase 'malware detection and removal' software for your computer.
With a few free tools, available online, you can remove malware/spyware from any PC running any version of Windows (XP and newer).
First, use a PC that's not infected with malware - even one mildly affected with malware can be used, as long as you're able to access the websites mentioned in this article.
Please note that some malware can cause your computer to not be able to access these sites (by design) so if possible, it's best to use a clean PC.
Use a USB Flash Drive (or jump drive) to store the programs - this makes for easy transfer of the software you need to fix the computer.
Download the following programs, and save them on your flash drive - if you're using the infected PC, just save the files in a location that you'll remember: Spybot Search & Destroy 1.
6.
2 MalwareByte's Anti-Malware TrendMicro HiJackThis AVG Antivirus 9 Free Edition (Due to article restrictions, I cannot provide links on where to get these - however, if you search for them by the name I've provided, you'll find them fairly easily.
) Now that you have all of the tools to clean your PC, remove the flash drive from the clean PC (if applicable) and insert the flash drive into the infected PC.
Install Spybot S&D only, at this time.
Once installed, make sure you allow the program to automatically check for updates.
The first time you run Spybot S&D, you'll have a step-by-step guide to walk you through proper operation - it will prompt you to backup your registry, immunize your PC, etc.
I usually skip backing up my registry, as I've NEVER had registry problems after running this application - however, do whatever makes you happy.
Be sure to 'immunize' your PC - this is similar to vaccinating your child - it keeps it from getting sick by preventing the malicious actions from being able to occur in the first place.
After you immunize, run the "Search & Destroy" function - at this time, there are over 750,000 things that Spybot detects, so it can take quite a while to run.
Allow it to run completely, so that everything is detected.
Once the scan is complete, make sure all of the check boxes in the 'results' section are checked, and click FIX SELECTED ITEMS.
During fixing, Spybot may report that some items were not fixed, and will then suggest a scan upon your next reboot.
BE SURE TO ALLOW THIS!! This is one of the secrets to getting rid of every last piece of malware.
Reboot your PC and allow Spybot to run again, and again, remove all infections.
Next, install MalwareByte's Anti-Malware.
Update the program when prompted, and then run the 'QUICK SCAN'.
Follow the prompts with MWBAM just as you did with Spybot - again, you might be prompted to reboot to complete the removal of infections.
Reboot your PC when prompted.
Now, with a clean PC, is the time to install your antivirus software.
Install the AVG Free Antivirus now, and update it.
If you're still having any problems at this time, run the HiJackThis program, and choose the "Do A System Scan /Save Logfile" button.
Allow the program to scan your computer, and when it's complete, a logfile will open - leave it alone, and switch back to the main application window - click the "AnalyzeThis" button...
this will open TrendMicro's website in your webbrowser, and they will provide many forums in the left column of the page where you can post your logfile's contents - be sure to read your chosen forums rules for posting HJT logfiles.
Someone will reply to your logfile with the items to remove.
Thats it! Good luck with your malware removal!
With a few free tools, available online, you can remove malware/spyware from any PC running any version of Windows (XP and newer).
First, use a PC that's not infected with malware - even one mildly affected with malware can be used, as long as you're able to access the websites mentioned in this article.
Please note that some malware can cause your computer to not be able to access these sites (by design) so if possible, it's best to use a clean PC.
Use a USB Flash Drive (or jump drive) to store the programs - this makes for easy transfer of the software you need to fix the computer.
Download the following programs, and save them on your flash drive - if you're using the infected PC, just save the files in a location that you'll remember: Spybot Search & Destroy 1.
6.
2 MalwareByte's Anti-Malware TrendMicro HiJackThis AVG Antivirus 9 Free Edition (Due to article restrictions, I cannot provide links on where to get these - however, if you search for them by the name I've provided, you'll find them fairly easily.
) Now that you have all of the tools to clean your PC, remove the flash drive from the clean PC (if applicable) and insert the flash drive into the infected PC.
Install Spybot S&D only, at this time.
Once installed, make sure you allow the program to automatically check for updates.
The first time you run Spybot S&D, you'll have a step-by-step guide to walk you through proper operation - it will prompt you to backup your registry, immunize your PC, etc.
I usually skip backing up my registry, as I've NEVER had registry problems after running this application - however, do whatever makes you happy.
Be sure to 'immunize' your PC - this is similar to vaccinating your child - it keeps it from getting sick by preventing the malicious actions from being able to occur in the first place.
After you immunize, run the "Search & Destroy" function - at this time, there are over 750,000 things that Spybot detects, so it can take quite a while to run.
Allow it to run completely, so that everything is detected.
Once the scan is complete, make sure all of the check boxes in the 'results' section are checked, and click FIX SELECTED ITEMS.
During fixing, Spybot may report that some items were not fixed, and will then suggest a scan upon your next reboot.
BE SURE TO ALLOW THIS!! This is one of the secrets to getting rid of every last piece of malware.
Reboot your PC and allow Spybot to run again, and again, remove all infections.
Next, install MalwareByte's Anti-Malware.
Update the program when prompted, and then run the 'QUICK SCAN'.
Follow the prompts with MWBAM just as you did with Spybot - again, you might be prompted to reboot to complete the removal of infections.
Reboot your PC when prompted.
Now, with a clean PC, is the time to install your antivirus software.
Install the AVG Free Antivirus now, and update it.
If you're still having any problems at this time, run the HiJackThis program, and choose the "Do A System Scan /Save Logfile" button.
Allow the program to scan your computer, and when it's complete, a logfile will open - leave it alone, and switch back to the main application window - click the "AnalyzeThis" button...
this will open TrendMicro's website in your webbrowser, and they will provide many forums in the left column of the page where you can post your logfile's contents - be sure to read your chosen forums rules for posting HJT logfiles.
Someone will reply to your logfile with the items to remove.
Thats it! Good luck with your malware removal!
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