How to Get Rid of Spyware Without Software

You don't need any expensive software to manually remove spyware.

Spyware is a serious threat that is capable of stealing your personal information and slowing down your computer as it eats up any available memory. The easiest method to remove spyware is to utilize an automatic ant-spyware tool. If your anti-spyware software isn't detecting the infection, or you can't use the software for some reason, it is possible to get rid of the problem on your own. Manual spyware removal requires finding and deleting all of the program's data on your own.

Instructions

1. Locate the specific information for your spyware infection. Use an online reference such as Spyware Remove, Spyware Void or 2-Spyware to find the specific files and registry entries the spyware program has installed on your computer.

2. Bring up the Task Manager window by hitting the Ctrl, Alt and Delete keys simultaneously. Select Open Task Manager.

3. Scroll through the list of file processes currently being used by your operating system. Locate the files associated with the spyware program. Click each of the files and select End Process to prevent the spyware program from running.

4. Open the Start menu. Click All Programs and choose Accessories. Select the Command Prompt option.

5. Type the regsvr32 /u command and enter the name of the specific spyware DLL file you need to unregister. For example, enter regsvr32 /u UpdateExplorer.dll to unregister the UpdateExplorer.dll file. Hit Enter.

6. Repeat the command with any other spyware DLL files. Navigate back to the Start menu and type the name of the DLL files in the Windows Search field. Right-click the entries and choose the Delete option.

7. Search for any other folders or executable files used by the spyware program and delete them. Search for the word Regedit to bring up the registry editor option. Click the icon in the search results section.

8. Navigate through the registry editor folders by clicking the plus icon to the left of the folder you want to open. Locate the registry folder containing the spyware's registry values. Right-click the value and select Delete to remove it.

9. Shut down any open windows and restart the operating system to finish the spyware removal process.

Tips & Warnings

• Some spyware is capable of connecting to a remote server and downloading additional files. To prevent the spyware from reinstalling itself you may also want to disconnect your computer from its Internet connection before shutting down the spyware processes.

• Spyware programs come in many variations and frequently download other spyware software to your computer. Besides performing a manual removal you should also use an anti-spyware tool to scan your computer for additional problems. Download an anti-spyware program and select its option to scan all of the folders on your hard drive. Select the Remove Problems option to automatically remove any detected spyware.

References

• The Spyware Removal Guide: Manually Delete Spyware Files
• 2-Spyware: Remove Antivirus 7. Description and removal instructions

Resources

• Spyware Remove: Spyware Database
• Spyware Void: Spyware threats and removal instructions
• 2-Spyware: Remove spyware removal instructions