Cleaning Windows from Spyware & Adware

This tutorial helps you understand what spyware/adware is, where it comes from, and how to remove it.

Tutorial

Understanding the Basics

Definitions:

Spyware: Software that can track your usage and/or record any personal information, 99% of the time without your knowledge and send that information to an outside source over the internet.

Adware: Ad generating software installed on your computer to generate pop-up ads in internet browsers while you surf the Internet.

So how did I get it on my PC?

There are various installation methods. Most common are:

1. You visited a web site that installed the software without you knowing.
2. You downloaded a "free" program, which many times is funded by also installing ad generating software onto your machine.
3. Some other sneaky way...

Often times I see #2 as the most common problem. Some one, usually their teenager, will download a "free" program and during the installation will just click "NEXT" until the program is installed without reading what is called the EULA (End User License Agreement).

Software P2P (peer-to-peer) programs such as KaZaa and other install ad generating applications WITH your approval. How did you approve? By not reading the EULA wich will say something like... "By using our free program and installing the software you also agree to install ... which from time to time will display pop-up ads for your benefit..."

Now to be honest I just made that last part up, because I did not actually go and get the agreement word for word, but that is the general gist of it.

So how do I get rid of it?

There are various programs out there that you can purchase. There are also free "lite" versions of programs that are also avaliable. AdAware is one of these programs which allows some one to download a free stripped down version of their program in hopes that you like it so much you buy the full program with added features and benefits. SpyBot Search & Destroy is another one that is often used and is free.

So far, my personal opinion is that Microsoft hascome out with a new "Beta" version of an Anti-Spyware/Adware program for free. How long it will be for free, I do not know, but it is a really good program and easy to use.

How can I get Microsoft's Anti-Spyware program?

http://www.micrsoft.com: This site almost always has the link right on the home page since so many people are downloading it. Look for "Anti-Spyware Beta Download" or follow this link: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en

Full installation and removal instructions are avaliable at the above link. You will most likely need to "Validate" your windows operating system. Validating your operating system is easy and is done over the internet in a matter of seconds. Basically Microsoft does a verification, without sending any personal information, as to wether or not your copy of Microsoft Windows is legal or not. If it is, you will be sent to where you can download the program, if it is not, you will get an error message, and probably some instructions on how to correct the problem (basically buying a legal copy or proving your copy is legal).

Since copying and pasting the instructions on usage is most likely a violation of Copyright laws, here are the links to all the screen shots and step by step tutorials (no sense in re-inventing the wheel):

How to install and setup Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/howto/download.mspx

How to scan your computer for spyware using Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/howto/scan.mspx

How to remove spyware from your computer using Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/howto/removespy.mspx

All other how to's for this software can be found at:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/howto/default.mspx

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DISCLAIMER:
I do not work for Microsoft nor any of its affiliates. The information contained in this tutorial I wrote for your benefit. Use this and any tutorial at your own risk. Installation of any program/software of any configuration is your own responsibility. I have provided these instructions not as a promotion of Microsoft itself, but as an honest opinion of how you can clean your machine of Spyware and Adware for free using a high quality product. Any damage(s) that may occur is your own responsibility.
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