SPYWARE is normally installed through either one of two common methods. The first is to hide a spyware component within an otherwise apparently useful program. Often, the program containing spyware is made available for download free of charge, so as to encourage wide uptake of the spyware component. The second common method is to take advantage of security flaws in Internet Explorer.

This guide will help you get rid of all the spyware and adware on your computer.  Bookmark this page — some of the recommended software programs require you to reboot your computer.  By adding this page to your favorites, you can revisit this page with ease.  Also, please tell your friends about this free guide by coping and pasting the following web address in e-mails, instant messages, blogs, live journals, profiles, or your website!

• Never download free smile icon programs, screen savers, fun cursors, graphical skins for Internet Explorer, search toolbars, or peer-to-peer file sharing programs (such as Kazaa or Morpheus).
• Think before you click.  Do not always click ‘yes’ to web alerts while browsing the Internet.  You could be agreeing to install unwanted programs.
• If you have previously installed any of the previously mentioned software programs, consider uninstalling them.
• [To Uninstall: Click the Start Button > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.  Find the program you want to delete, and click 'remove.']
• Browse the list of applications in the ‘Add or Remove Programs’ control panel.  If any programs look suspect, consider removing them.  Below you will find a link to all spyware programs.  If you are unsure a program is spyware, use the list to correctly identify any spyware programs.
• After you remove potential spyware programs from the Window’s Add and Remove control panel you may still encounter problems.  Try to identify the program, by name, that is causing excessive pop-ups.  Perform a web search for: “how to remove blank” (fill blank with the name of the program).  In many instances you will find easy instructions for removing the program from the Google search.  Please remember that free downloadable ’search toolbars,’ ’smiles,’ ’screen savers,’ and ‘internet explorer skins’ are almost always spyware programs in disguise.  Remove these kind of programs.

If you still encounter problems…

• Download and install free Windows Defender Anti-Spyware.  If you suspect your computer is infected with spyware (excessive pop-ups, weird hyperlinks, excessive ads on every web page, etc..).
• In addition, you should also download the Microsoft® Windows® Malicious Software Removal Tool and follow the instructions for installation.