Remove spyware and adware from your computer

• If you run spyware/adware removal software on your computer, you must understand that there is some risk of unpredictable consequences to your computer. However, we have used Spybot and Adaware at the HelpLine for some time and find that they have been reliable removal tools.

• Download and install Spybot and Adaware:
  • Spybot (freeware) and Adaware SE Personal Edition (free version) can be downloaded from the Internet (www.spybot.info and www.lavasoftusa.com).
  • Consult their websites and especially the Help sections for details on how to use these spyware/adware removal tools to scan your computer. You can also bring your computer to the HelpLine for assistance.
  • After downloading them, double-click their Setup icons on your desktop to install each program. When the Install Wizard opens, follow the instructions, accepting the defaults.
  • Note: If you can't access the Internet to download this software, you can bring your computer to the HelpLine for assistance. If you bring your computer in, we cannot remove the spyware/adware for you, but we can advise you in installing and running the spyware/adware removal software.
  • Because of licensing restrictions, we cannot offer Adaware. However, you download the "personal" version yourself from the Internet. Once you run Spybot, it often cleans off enough spyware that you can get to the Internet to download Adaware and run it.

• Run Spybot and Adaware:
  • Before running these removal tools, it is recommended that you backup your data on the hard drive.
  • It is advisable to run both Spybot and Adaware for the most complete removal of unwanted spyware/adware. They should both be run regularly on a weekly basis to keep your computer relatively clean.
  • All spyware/adware removal software will require periodic updating, similar in concept to updating virus definitions, so always check for updates before scanning your computer.
  • If asked to Create a backup of the registry, Immunize, etc., do so.
  • After scanning is done, a list of "problem" files will display. Checkmark them for deletion and then delete them.

  Note: If you are unable to install or run Spybot or Adaware, or if the computer still exhibits performance problems, you may have to get further help from one of the local repair services in the area. See:

  • Computer Manufacturer Technical Support Numbers at http://lbis.kenyon.edu/help/techsupport/manutechsupport.phtml
  • Local PC Repair Businesses at http://lbis.kenyon.edu/help/techsupport/localpcrepairs.phtml
  • Local Mac Repair Businesses at http://lbis.kenyon.edu/help/techsupport/localmacrepairs.phtml