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Windows Spyware Tips


What is Spyware?

Spyware - Malware! Spyware

is an invasive software technology that assists in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge. With the Internet, "spyware is trojan software placed on a computer to covertly gather information about the user and send it to marketing groups or other interested parties." and Malware is a cause for public concern about privacy and safety on the Internet. These types of applications are malicious and often cause your computer to slow down, have instability and act in strange ways.

How did this Spyware happen?

When your Internet Security is compromised, there are Internet sites that may take advantage of this and install 'hidden' software on your system - without your knowledge. In other cases downloaded software comes bundled with other "free programs" (as spyware and adware). Usually you don't realize this until you start having strange problems or discover your browser has been hijacked (outside this site).

How To: Prevent this spyware attack from happening again?

The first thing you must remember is that most adware and spyware tools are basically for removal after a malicious Spyware attack. The best answer is; use "Multiple Layered Protection" - Firewall's!

  1. Make use of the Internet Explorer "Restricted Zone" or set "default' security
  2. Install a firewall (see -  Security Issues (outside this site))
  3. Install an Antivirus program (see -  Security Issues (outside this site))
  4. Add SpywareBlaster (outside this site) to your "Layered Protection"

Removing spyware from your computer:

Beware of Imposters - before you use, install or purchase a free "Anti-Spyware"!
Read this report: Trojan (outside this site) Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites

Spybot SpyBot 1.52 [safe freeware] download (outside this site)
Once you have Spybot installed (read this help guide), be sure to use the update option in Spybot before scanning!
Fix the items labeled in red; items labeled in blue-green are optional.
Spybot S&D Support Forum (outside this site):  How to Install and Use Spybot

Ad-AwareAd-Aware SE Personal [safe freeware] http://www.lavasoftusa.com/ (outside this site)
Once installed make sure to update via internet before scanning!

Other recommended Anti-Spyware Programs

Note: there are many specialized tools, "fixes", etc. that are created for specific type infections. These are not listed here; such cases need to be handled by knowledgeable technicians. Attempting to isolate these by you may do more harm!

Check your system with HijackThis!

(After using one of the above spyware cleaner tools)
Download: HijackThis [freeware] from: [author (outside this site)] [site1 (outside this site)] [site2 (outside this site)]
Unzip, double-click "HijackThis.exe" and Press "Scan".

HijackThis Tutorial (outside this site) (a good introduction)

The spyware and hijack removal specialists! No single "Anti-Spyware" scanner can completely remove all Spyware. This is mainly due to new daily more complex threats!

Dealing with Coolwebsearch hijacks:

There are many Coolwebsearch (outside this site) affiliates offering "Pay-per-Click" schemes; basically getting a few cents for each user that gets hijacked to Coolwebsearch or one of it's linked affiliates. Most of these affiliates are Adult based material, so be careful on what sites you visit.

Removing Unwanted Internet Explorer Menu Items:

Repairing your Windows Winsock Internet Connection:

There are problems where malicious software, including malware and spyware, is sometimes quietly installed by unrelated products such as file-sharing programs, quietly hiding on the system. The user does not know of their existence until something goes wrong, and you can no longer access Web sites.

If you have suddenly lost your Internet connection after removing spyware the following tools can help restore your default Windows Internet connection.

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Windows Troubleshooting Spyware - South Australia