subject: Malware and Spyware --Get A Great Tool to Remove them completely! [print this page] Malware and Spyware --Get A Great Tool to Remove them completely!
Over the years of owning numerous computers, both the laptop and the desktop varieties, I have always battled with the computer equivalent of the seasonal flu. Only in my computers case the symptoms weren't from a sore throat or runny nose it was more like ultra slow start up times, agonizingly slow download times and numerous error messages! What happened to the wonderfully fast and efficient computer you once knew and so loved? One of the biggest culprits of this computer flu is "malware and spyware."
Most malware is installed on a machine by the user without realizing it. If you see one of those innocent looking window pops-up ads after you run a virus/spyware scan, or for a free offer, or even claiming to be a legitimate Windows associated program, if there are buttons to click to cancel or close the pop up box, those are the same as clicking "Install." This is the sneaky way these programs get past your antivirus software program. To ensure it won't happen again, just make sure to NOT to click anything inside a pop-up window and instead use the keyboard combination ALT and F4.
"Holding ALT and press the F4 function key" will close the window that is on top, which in this case should be the malicious pop-up.
Now if your are like me and your old computer is getting very cranky due to so many years of malware/spyware infiltrations, you need to take swift and decisive action! To clean your grumpy old PC of these nasty little bugs download the free malware removal program "malwarebytes," once the program "malwarebytes" is downloaded you will need to re-start your PC in "safe mode." Windows Safe Mode is a troubleshooting option that limits Windows operation to basic functions. Safe Mode allows you to run diagnostic tools and repair your system as needed.
To start your computer in Safe Mode, tap the F8 key in 1 second intervals immediately after the computer is powered on or restarted (usually after you hear your computer beep). After your computer displays the hardware information and runs the memory test, the Advanced Boot Options menu will appear. Once the menu appears, select the option for Safe Mode using the arrow keys and press ENTER. Windows will start in Safe Mode. Below are the exact steps you will need to take:
1. Free download a great anti-spyware tool online.
2. Install it on your PC and then launch it to scan your system.
