How to Remove a Spybot Virus

Browsing through various websites on the Internet can be helpful and also harmful sometimes. Without realizing it, you can easily pick up an unwanted virus or spyware program that's looking to steal your information. Despite your careful steps, sometimes your computer can still become infected. With a few simple steps, you'll learn how to remove a Spybot virus.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windows XP computer
• Vista computer
• AntiVirus application
• Spyware application
• Windows Update

1. Update your currently installed antivirus program on your computer system. Most antivirus applications release updates daily in order to detect a virus threat. If your antivirus application hasn't been updated to the latest virus definitions, manually do so. Usually, you can right-click the antivirus icon in the system tray of your computer and select the "Update" option. Other antivirus programs require you to navigate to the control panel and access the "Settings" menu to update. A few common antivirus programs available to choose from include Avast, AVG, Norton AntiVirus and McAfee.

2. Open the spyware protection program installed on your computer system. Update it as well to make sure that it can detect any new variations of a Spybot virus that may be trying to hide in other areas. Right-click the spyware icon in your computer's system tray. Select the "Search for New Updates" option to begin the process. Depending on the type of spyware program you have, sometimes you'll need to open the "Settings" menu to search and install the latest updates. Some of the most common spyware programs available include Spybot Search & Destroy, Ad Aware and Windows Defender.

3. Launch the Windows Update tool to get the latest updates from Microsoft. Click the "Start" menu located at the bottom left corner of your computer. A list of options will appear. The Windows Update tool is usually available in the "Start" menu area, or you can access it from your computer's "Control Panel" in the "Security" section. Click the "Check for Updates" link to open it.

4. Disable the "System Restore" function on your computer. Many viruses and spyware programs hide in this section. Each time you attempt to perform a normal computer task, these harmful programs track your usage, entered data, or even stop you from accessing the other programs properly. Although "System Restore" is meant to be a helpful tool to help you get back to a good working state, it can also be a haven for unwanted malware.

5. View the icons on your computer desktop and right-click the "Computer" or "My Computer" icon. Select the "Properties" link from the displayed options. For Windows Vista, you'll need to click the "System Protection" link to turn off the "System Restore" feature. Just uncheck the box next to your hard drive. Verify that you want "System Restore" turned off. On a Windows XP computer, the "System Properties" window will open automatically. Select the "System Restore" tab and place a check inside of the box next to "Turn Off System Restore." Confirm that you want this change to take effect.

6. Reboot your computer system to gain a fresh start and to remove most traces of the Spybot virus. Once you've rebooted your computer, perform a thorough virus and spyware scan for the unwanted Spybot virus. If it has been found, your antivirus and spyware programs will attempt to remove it or isolate it into a virus vault. If the Spybot virus still remains on your computer system, you'll need to consult a computer professional.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid downloading attachments from unfamiliar websites.

Resources

• Windows Defender
• AVG
• Spybot Search & Destroy