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Before making changes to your system, it's a good idea to create a Windows Restore Point just in case you make things worse! A Restore Point allows you to return the computer back to its configuration at the time the Restore Point was created. To manually create a Restore Point, start Windows and select Programs | Accessories | System Tools | System Restore. Select the Create a restore point option and click Next. Follow the on-screen instructions. Some spyware removers will also create their own Restore Point.

How to remove spyware and malware

The best way to remove spyware/malware is to do it after booting in Safe Mode with no connection to the internet and no browsers running. Booting in safe mode is important because safe mode disables most drivers and programs, and this gives the best results.

Utilities you'll need

To remove spyware from your PC you'll need the following utilities, all of which are available as free downloads from the Internet.
 

If possible, install all of these programs and update them to the latest definitions. Some of these programs require the latest updates to work correctly. If you can’t install them, try booting the computer into safe mode and reinstalling.

Starting the computer in Safe Mode

Windows XP can be started in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key during start up as outlined below:
 

1.	Restart the computer. Some computers have a progress bar that refers to the word BIOS. Others may not let you know what is happening.
2.	As soon as the BIOS loads, begin tapping the F8 key on your keyboard. Do so until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. If this happens, restart the computer and try again.
3.	Using the arrow keys on the keyboard, select Safe mode and then press Enter.
4.	Select safe mode with networking if you need to access the Internet to update utilities.

Removing the spyware

The steps below outline a general procedure for removing the spyware. Always remember to reboot back into safe mode when a restart's required. For best results, reboot after each program has completed its scan:
 

1.	Physically unplug your cable to the internet (even if you have dial-up, unplug modem).
2.	Shut down ALL applications including browsers.
3.	Run Ccleaner (Crap Cleaner) with the default options to clean out temporary files. Only use the Default Scan on the Windows Tab and select Run Cleaner. Do not run any other options from other tabs.
4.	Run Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool and clean all that it finds.
5.	Run Ad-Aware SE and select Perform full system scan box and allow it to fix all that it finds.
6.	Run Spybot Search & Destroy and allow it to fix all that it finds. Make sure you use the Immunize feature and use the SDHelper function but do not use Teatimer.
7.	Run Microsoft Windows Defender and allow it to fix all that it finds.
8.	Run Abexo Registry cleaner - Run Registry Backup then Registry Cleanup.
9.	Reboot the computer into normal mode.

Your system should now be free from spyware and malware.

Other tools

Here's a list of some other tools you can try:
 

Tool	Use
CWShredder	Run this if you seem to have any CoolWebSearch type infections. Make sure you select the Fix option.
Kill2Me	Run this if you have indications of a Look 2 Me parasite.
Hijackthis	Use this utility only if you are an advanced user. Be careful what you delete.

Good luck!

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