How to Remove Keystroke Recording Software
Keystroke recording software can be useful for monitoring computer activity on privately owned systems or for proving suspicious activity. However, it can also be a serious invasion of privacy. Due to the nature of the software, keystroke recording programs are often intentionally obscured, making them potentially troublesome to remove.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Keystroke recording software
- Administrator access
- Internet connection (for research)
- Anti-spyware software
Instructions
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Select "Start" on your Windows PC, then "Control Panel" and "Add/Remove Programs."
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Locate the keystroke recording software on the software list (provided you know the name of the keylogging package that is installed) and uninstall it through the Add/Remove Programs utility. (You may need administrator access to your system to do this.)
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Research unfamiliar entries using Google (or the search engine of your choice) if you do not know the name of the keystroke recording package you believe to be installed on your computer. Obviously, pay special attention to programs with names including the words "keystroke," "monitor," "record" or security- and safety-related phrases. However, it is not always that simple. Keystroke recording software may be deliberately misnamed so that it is harder for users to locate it in through Add/Remove Programs.
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Determine if you are dealing with a sophisticated software package that installs itself "secretly." If you cannot locate the keystroke logging software through Add/Remove Programs, this is likely the case. You will have to edit your registry to disable the software. If you are unfamiliar with backing up, searching and editing your registry, find a knowledgable IT resource to assist you in locating and removing the registry entries for the keystroke logger. Incorrect registry editing can severely damage your system.
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Reboot your system and run a full system scan using the anti-spyware and/or security software of your choice. Quality security software should be able to detect an unwanted keystroke recording program as a security threat and report it to you to with options to complete the software removal.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are on a corporate or school system, attempting to remove any software may be a violation of your network terms of use.
