Information Services

Do it yourself computer cleaning

Disclaimer
Please note that the information and advice given in this document is intended to assist users in detecting and removing unwanted software from their personal computer, however any changes you make to your system is done so at your own risk and Adrian College cannot be held responsible for any damage caused. Do not follow these instructions if you are uncomfortable with the procedures.

First it should be mentioned that removing spyware could render useless the program that brought the spyware onto your computer. For example programs like Kazaa, or Morpheus that install spyware/adware could stop working.

***If these simple steps don't remove the spyware/adware from your computer, or you are severely infected, here are some of the methods we use at the college.***

Install and run Ad-aware SE:

The installation is fairly standard. Simply download it to some place that you will remember such as the desktop, double click the download and follow the instructions using the default selections. If you leave the options checked to update, it will automatically try to update when you run it.
After it's installed:

Either click on the Ad-aware SE Personal icon on your desktop, or click Start, All Programs, then under Lavasoft Ad-aware SE Personal, launch Ad-aware SE .

Before you scan your system, if you didn't leave the boxes checked when installing the program, you should check to see if there are any updates available.

Click the Check for Updates Now option right above the Start button.

Click Connect. If any updates are detected, go ahead and install them.

Back at the main application window, click the Start button to setup your scan. Use the Perform Full System Scan option and click Next.

Once the scan is complete you will hear a pleasant noise and a see a flashing bug. The scan is finished, now click next.

There are several tabs, the most important being Critical Objects. Check the boxes of the suspected spyware in all the tabs and click next. If there are too many items to select by hand, right click and choose Select all. Depending on the version, all the boxes may already be checked.

Ad-aware will remove the infected spyware and will complete itself. Close Ad-aware.

For more information on Ad-aware see their website.

Install and run Spybot Search and Destroy:

The installation is fairly standard. Simply download it to some place that you will remember such as the desktop, double click the download and follow the instructions using the default selections.
After it's installed:

Either it will run automatically, or you can click on the Spybot S&D icon on your desktop, or click Start, All Programs, Spyware Search & Destroy and select Spybot-Search &Destroy.

When Spybot starts for the first time it will give you options to back up the registry, check for updates, and immunize your computer. We recommend that you do all of those things, and then read the tutorial before you start using the program. All those options are still available later from the main menu.

To run Spybot S&D click on the Search & Destroy icon in the upper left corner.

Then click the Check for problems button.

Spybot S&D will scan your computer.

When finished scanning you can check the appropriate boxes and choose to fix selected problems.

For more information on Spybot Search & Destroy see their website.

***If these simple steps don't remove the spyware/adware from your computer, or you are severely infected, here are some of the methods we use at the college.***