How do I Stop Web Popups on Spyware Software?

Spyware sometimes produces pop-up advertisements.

Pop-ups are advertisements or other informational windows that appear on a computer, usually while using an Internet browser. Some pop-ups are caused by spyware. Spyware is software collects information on a computer such as browsing histories and sends them to a central source. Sometimes the spyware software uses this information to generate pop-ups with advertisements catered for the user. While pop-up-blocking software can prevent these spyware pop-ups from appearing, the best way to remove them from your computer is to delete the spyware producing them. Spyware is removed with anti-spyware software.

Instructions

1. Launch your anti-spyware software. If you don't have anti-spyware software there are free options in the Resource section.

2. Follow the on-screen directions to update the anti-spyware software. Updates allow the software to detect and remove the latest spyware threats.

3. Follow the on-screen directions to conduct a system scan. The scan searches all storage devices connected to the computer for spyware and other malware.

4. Allow the scan to complete. The scan takes up to several minutes depending on the size and number of storage devices attached to the computer.

5. Follow the on-screen directions to remove any spyware detected by the scan. Close the anti-spyware software.

Tips & Warnings

• Some anti-spyware software offers real-time protection. As long as they are updated regularly these programs can protect your computer from spyware and pop-up ads.

References

• Indiana University: What is spyware or adware, and how can I remove it?
• North Carolina State University: Adware and Spyware Information
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: Preventing, Detecting, and Removing Spyware

Resources

• Lavasoft: Ad-Aware
• Safer-Networking: Spybot Search and Destroy
• PC Tools: Spyware Doctor