How Do I Get Rid of Malware on My Computer?

Malware, short for malicious software, is a form of computer virus that can cause unwanted pop-ups and browser redirects that automatically direct your web browser to various sites, usually in an attempt to sell you something. The worst Malware threats tend to include keyloggers and other nuances that affect the performance of certain programs on your computer. Though one anti-virus program should get rid of most Malware threats, doing follow up scans with at least one other program helps ensure a Malware-free computer.

Things You'll Need

• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
• Spyware Doctor

Instructions

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

1. Download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Double click the icon to start the program.

2. Click the "Scanner" tab.

3. Select "Perform Full Scan" and click the "Scan" button. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware checks every folder and file on your computer. Depending on how many files your hard drive contains, expect this process to take at least one hour.

4. Click the "Show Results" button to view a list of all malware detected on your computer. By default, all detected Malware is selected for deletion. Click the "Remove Selected" button. If prompted, restart your computer.

Spyware Doctor

1. Download and install Spyware Doctor. Double click the icon to start the program.

2. Click the "Status" tab, select "Start Scan" and click "Full Scan." Depending on how many files your hard drive contains, expect this process to take at least one hour. The program will notify you when the scan is complete.

3. Click "Fix" to delete any Malware detected.

Emsisoft Web Malware Scan

1. Open the emsisoft.com/en/ website in Internet Explorer (this scanner is only compatible with Internet Explorer). Select "Products" at the top left and click "Web Malware Scanner."

2. Click the "Start Scan" button. Emsisoft prompts you to run its web add-on. Click "Install this addon" in the notification bar at the top of Internet Explorer. The page refreshes and Internet Explorer updates. This process takes approximately five minutes.

3. Select "Deep Scan" and click the "Scan" button. Depending on how many files your hard drive contains, expect this process to take at least one hour. The program notifies you when the scan completes. All detected Malware displays and is deleted automatically.

References

• BleepingComputer; How to use Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to Scan and Remove Malware From Your Computer; Grinler; February 2010
• PCTools: Get Started Guide - Spyware Doctor with Antivirus

Resources

• CNET: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
• CNET: Spyware Doctor
• Emsisoft: Emsisoft Web Malware Scan