How to Clear Spyware From My Laptop

Spyware are malicious programs that come in many different forms such as tracking cookies and dangerous toolbars. They install in a variety of ways, including infected email attachments, pop-up advertisements and through files such as games downloaded from the Internet. Spyware interferes with web browsing, causes startup and shutdown problems and slows down computer performance. Using simple troubleshooting steps, you can remove spyware from your laptop safely without damaging system components.

Instructions

1. Back up your computer before removing spyware of any kind. To do so, click the Windows "Start" button and select "All Programs." Select "Accessories" and select "System Tools." Click "System Restore" to open the backup utility.

2. Click the "Create a new restore point" radio button and click "Next." Type a name for the restore point and click "Create" to backup your computer. The System Restore utility creates a restore point you can revert to if you make an error during the spyware removal process.

3. Close all currently running programs and launch your antivirus program. Click "Update" to install the latest spyware and virus definitions. Close the program. Consider free spyware removal programs such as Malwarebytes' Antimalware or AVG (see both in resources) if you do not have an antivirus program.

4. Launch the installed program and update it to install the latest spyware and virus definitions. Close the program once the update is complete.

5. Click the Windows "Start" buttton and click "Restart" to reboot your computer. Press "F8" repeatedly before Windows reboots to open the Windows Advanced Options Menu. Scroll down and select "Safe Mode" to log into Windows Safe Mode. Safe Mode disables the network and most drivers, which makes it ideal for removing spyware.

6. Launch your security tool and run a full system scan. Delete detected files. Remove other spyware such as malicious toolbars from the programs window. To do so, click the Windows "Start" button and click the "Control Panel." Double-click "Add or Remove Programs" to open the programs window if you are a Windows XP user. Click "Program and Features" in the Control Panel and click "Uninstall a Program" to open the programs window if you are a Windows Vista user.

7. Scroll through the programs window and click malicious spyware you want to remove. Click "Remove/Uninstall" to remove it from your computer.

8. Clear browser cache and history. This process varies with diffrent web browsers but can generally be performed from the tools or preferences menu. Clearing browser cache and history eliminates other spyware such as tracking cookies.

9. Restart your computer normally.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your antivirus or spyware removal program updated to combat the latest threats when they arise.

Resources

• Malwarebytes' Antimalware
• AVG