How to Remove a Key Logger From a Computer
A key logger is a computer virus that records your keystrokes and transmits it to a third party for malicious use. If you suspect that you have a key logger on your computer, there are steps that you should immediately take to protect your personal information.
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Instructions
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Restart your computer and press "F8" as it boots up. Once you see a boot menu appear, select the option labeled "Safe Mode with Networking" and press the "Enter" key. Once Windows boots up, login and confirm that you want to boot up in Safe Mode.
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Start your antivirus software and use the "Update" option to update it with the latest virus definitions. Once it has finished updating, run a full system scan, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on how much data you have on your computer. Once this scan is finished, remove any infections that have been found, then close the antivirus software.
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Start your anti-malware software, and proceed with the same steps that you took with your antivirus software. Update the software, and then run a full system scan, removing any malicious software that is found.
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Close all open windows and programs and restart your computer. Allow it to boot up normally. Once you are logged in, run another series of scans with your antivirus and anti-malware programs. If no infections are found, then your computer can be assumed to be safe. If infections are found, remove them, then restart your computer and scan it again. Repeat this process until all infections are removed. It may take a few times before you can completely remove the key-logger software from your computer, depending on how it has infected your machine.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have any antivirus or anti-malware software, you can find free software online. These programs are either free for life or for a short trial period. You can also use online virus and malware scanners that don't require you to install anything on your computer. Before downloading and installing free security software you find online, you should perform a search on the name of the software and ensure that it is a reputable program and not a fake software package. You can also use a site such as CNET's Versiontracker, which provides software reviews and information.
