How to Get Rid of Spyware Pop-Ups

Spyware pop-ups are usually windows in Internet Explorer that are created by an unwanted program generally referred to as "spyware." These pop-ups are usually advertisements for websites that pay companies to find sneaky ways to install these programs on your computer. Simply closing each pop-up as it opens won't do very much, as the program that caused it to open in the first place is still running, and will likely open more. To get rid of the pop-ups, you have to remove that program at it's source.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look for program names in the popup windows. For example, if advertisements keep beginning fake spyware scans under something called "Adbuster," then write that name down.

2. Click on the "Start" button in the bottom left corner of the screen. Then click on "Control Panel."

3. Double-click "Add or Remove Programs." Go through the list of programs, and find any that you are sure don't belong on your computer, including the list that you wrote down.

4. Select the program by clicking on it, and click the "Change/Remove" button to eliminate it from your computer.

5. Restart your computer in safe mode if the problem persists. Some spyware pop-up programs are resistant to being removed and reinstall themselves. To restart in safe mode, click "Start" then "Shut down." Then select "Restart" and hit "OK."

6. Pres the "F8" key when your computer restarts. Select "Safe Mode" on the screen that comes up. Then repeat Steps 2 through 4, removing spyware programs using the Add/Remove tool.

7. Download and run anti-spyware program if the spyware pop-up program is still too tough. An example of this is "Spybot: Search and Destroy."

Tips & Warnings

• Try not to click on any of the advertisements in the pop-ups, as this might install even more spyware on your computer.
• Only remove programs you are sure that are not needed on your computer.

Resources

• Spybot