How to Get Rid of Spyware Without Antivirus Software

Spyware slows down your computer and compromises your network security by sending your personal information to outsiders. The most effective way to remove spyware is by using a fully-fledged antivirus software suite. If you don't own one of these beefy programs, however, there's still hope. Lavasoft's Ad-Aware is a free utility that removes all the spyware on your system in just a few quick steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Head to Lavasoft's homepage or Download.com to download and install the free version of Ad-Aware. Lavasoft offers more advanced versions, but the free version includes the basic spyware removal utility you're after.

2. Launch Ad-Aware. If you've just finished installing it, it will launch itself. If not, simply double-click its shortcut on the desktop.

3. Make sure the spyware definitions are up to date. Look for the green check mark in the "Definitions Status" box on the main screen.

4. Click the "Scan Now" button in the System Scan window.

5. Choose either a "Smart Scan" or a "Full Scan" to have Ad-Aware automatically check your computer for spyware. The Smart Scan looks in the most often-infected folders, while the Full Scan searches your entire computer.

6. Wait for the scan to finish. If you selected "Full Scan," this might take 10 minutes or more.

7. Flip through the different report tabs once the scan's finished and see what objects it found. Check the boxes next to the items you want to remove, then click "Remove."

8. Press the "Finish" button to complete the removal process.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider upgrading to a more advanced version of Ad-Aware if you need real-time anti-spyware scanning capabilities. The free version only scans when you tell it to and won't guard your computer against incoming threats.

Resources

• Download Ad-Aware here from CNet.
• Check out Lavasoft's homepage for more info about Ad-Aware.