Run Spybot
Before you scan your system, you must install the Spybot software. Get installation instructions from the Support Center.
- Update Definitions
Before running Spybot's Search and Destroy function, click Search for updates to check for any updates to the definitions.
Figure 1: Spybot Search & Destroy home screen - Configure Updates
Spybot will display any updates available. Change "Unido Europe" to the United States parameters.
Figure 2: Search for updates - Download Updates
Make sure the box in front of each updatable feature is checked, and click Download updates.
Figure 3: Search for updates - Enable Immunization
At this point it is often a good idea to set up the immunize feature available through Spybot. This will help protect your computer from future downloads of adware and spyware programs. Click Immunize to display how many files your computer is protected against downloading.
Figure 4: Immunize - Complete Immunization
If there are files that are not blocked, Spybot will inform you of it. Click Immunize.
Figure 5: Immunize - Search Your Computer
You can now run the program to search for spyware and adware. Click Search & Destroy.
Figure 6: Search & Destroy - Check for Problems
Run the scan. Click Check for problems.
Figure 7: Search & Destroy - Fix Problems
Allow the scan to finish. When it is done, it will display any problem files it found. Make sure the box in front of each problem file is checked, then click Fix selected problems.
Figure 8: Search & Destroy - Confirm Removal
Spybot will now ask you for confirmation that you want to remove the spyware/adware it found. Click Yes.
Figure 9: Confirm removal prompt - Complete Scan
You have now cleaned these problem files off your computer. If you are using a file-sharing program or regularly download programs from the internet, you might be at risk of downloading more Spyware/Adware programs, and it is important to keep an updated virus removal program installed on your computer and to regularly run the Ad-Aware, Spybot, or Spyware Blaster scans to keep your computer running well. Computing services recommends you run one of these scans once a week; start at Step 1 on this webpage if you use Spybot.