Computer and Software Support


Remove spyware from your computer

Applies to all editions of Windows Vista

This is from Microsoft. I pasted it here to avoid broken links

Follow these procedures in order until the spyware is removed.

Use an antispyware scanner and removal tool

Windows Defender, which ships with this version of Windows, helps prevent malicious software, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software from infecting your computer. When Windows Defender is on, you're alerted if spyware and other potentially unwanted software tries to run or install itself on your computer. You choose if you want to ignore, quarantine, or remove each item that is detected. For more information, see Scan for spyware and other potentially unwanted software.

Spyware scanners are also frequently included in antivirus programs. If you have already installed an antivirus program, check to see if that program includes spyware protection features or if you can add them as an update, and then scan your computer regularly. You can see a list of other spyware protection programs at the Microsoft Security at Home website.

You can also use the virus and spyware troubleshooter

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Remove spyware manually

Spyware can sometimes infect areas of your computer that are difficult to clean without causing further problems. If an antispyware program notifies you that it can't remove spyware, follow any directions provided by the program. If that doesn't work, try these options.

  • Check Installed Programs for items that don't belong on your computer.

    Use this method with extreme caution. Control Panel lists many programs, most of which are not spyware. Many spyware programs use special installation methods to avoid showing up in Installed Programs. Occasionally, a spyware program will offer an uninstall option and can be removed with this method. Only remove programs you can positively identify as spyware, and do not remove programs that you might want to keep, even if you don't use them very often.

    1. You can uninstall a program from your computer if you no longer use it or if you want to free up space on your hard disk. You can use Programs and Features to uninstall programs or to change the program's configuration by adding or removing certain options.

  1. Click Start

  2. Click Control Panel

  3. Click Programs

  4. Click Programs and Features

  5. Select a program

  6. Click Uninstall

  7. Some programs include the option to change or repair the program in addition to uninstalling it, but many simply offer the option to uninstall.

  8. To change a program, click Change or Repair

  9. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Note If the program that you want to uninstall is not listed, it might not have been written for this version of Windows. To uninstall the program, check the information that came with the program.

  • Reinstall Windows.

    Some spyware can hide itself so well that it can't be removed. If you still see evidence of spyware after trying to remove it with an antispyware program or uninstalling it, you might need to reinstall Windows and your programs.

     

    Warning!

    Reinstalling Windows will remove spyware, but it will also delete your files and programs. If you have to reinstall         Windows, make sure that you back up your documents and files, and that you have access to the installation discs you will need to reinstall your programs.