We've noticed within the last 4 years there has been a new threat to computers on the internet other than just viruses. This problem is just as serious and sometimes just as harmful as the worst viruses out there. Our country is now identifying this problem as Adware, Spyware, Malware, and sometimes even Hi-Jackers. We want to help you get rid of this problem and learn how to keep it gone in the future. As our customers or potential future customers, we want to look out for you.

This will be a description of what you need to get, how to use what we recommend to you, and how to keep this problem out of your computer. The first thing to know is, we will provide you with a couple of links to download 2 programs (for free) that have been proven to work and that we use on our own systems to keep this problem at bay. We also highly recommend that you run disk clean and defrag, located on your Start menu under All Programs, Accessories, System tools. On the disk clean, if you run it every couple of weeks it shouldn't take long to run; however, the first time you run this program it can take up to an hour to run. The defragment program will take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour depending on how often you add or remove programs and files. Again, when you run this program monthly it will take less time in the long run. These suggestions will help you to maintain and keep your computer running as it should. Remember, non or this is a substitute for Anti-Virus software, always make sure you have a current and up-to-date antivirus.

The first program you will need can be obtained by clicking here. You will have the option to either open the file or save it to disk. If you have more than one computer that you need to install this protection on (if it gets on the internet) then choose save it to disk and put it on your desktop to write to CD later. When the program finishes downloading, if you chose run it will start on it's own (if you have Windows XP with the proper security updates, you will have to click Run a second time). If you chose to save it to your desktop or another folder, you will have to minimize this browser window ( the little button at the top right corner of your window that has the - in it) and double-click on the aawsepersonal.exe icon to begin the install. If at anytime you need visual aid in these processes, you can click the underlined text in that part of the document to see a picture with informative parts highlighted and explained. This is what you do from there.

Install AdAware 2007 to your computer. It will put icons on your desktop to run it. On the first install the program will run. Update it using the update button. When it says you have the most current updates run a scan. If you have time use the full scan option, then after it has run a full scan once, ever week or so thereafter you can run the smart scan and keep your computer clean.

The next program can be obtained by clicking here. The same applies to this program as the previous as far as how you download or save it. When you get to the point where you can install it, here are the instructions for installation.

 

1.

Select Setup Language Screen

 

 

Press "OK" to continue using English the default language  

 

 

Click “Next” to continue the install  

 

2.

Read the License Agreement

 

 

Click the “I accept the agreement” radial button, then click “Next” to continue

 

3.

Click “Next” to accept the default install location or “Browse” to change locations.

 

4.

You want to use the Full Installation option so click “Next” to continue

 

 

Again click “Next” then decide if you want the desktop icon, quick launch icon and leave the Use Internet Explorer protection (SDHelper) to maintain full protection capabilities. Click “Next” to move to the next screen which confirms all the settings.

 

 

Click “Install” to allow the programs install on your computer.

 

5.

After the files finish copying to your computer you will be presented with the option to “Run SpybotSD.exe” If you are ready to get started and scan your computer, leave this option checked and click “Finish” to conclude the install.

After installing this program if you unchecked the box to run the program, you will need to double click the Spybot Search and Destroy icon on your desktop to start the program. Here are the steps to update, immunize, and scan your computer with this program.

Performing Spybot Scanning REGULARLY

First run

 

The first time you start Spybot-S&D, it will display a warning screen. Click the box next to “Don’t show this again”, and then click “OK” Next a Wizard will appear. The best way to get through this screen is to click “Next, Next, Next”, and “Start using the program.”

Getting updates, Immunizing after updates, and Doing a scan

 

The first page you will encounter has the three main tasks that you will be completing listed in boxes in the middle of the screen. Also you have the navigation bar on the left, which can lead you to all functions of the program. Your first task is to check for updates. This is the bottom button on the middle panel. Click “Search for Updates” if you are online, your computer will contact servers and get a current list of updates. The list will then be displayed for you. Right-click on one of the updates and choose “Select all” from the drop-down box. This will put green checks in each box. Then at the top you will click “Download Updates.” When this task is complete you are ready to immunize your computer against threats. Click the Immunize button on the navigation pane at the left. It will display a box that tells you Please Immunize. Click “OK” and then click “Immunize” at the top of the screen. Next click the “Search and Destroy” icon at the top of the navigation panel. This leads you to the main page. Right now, you will see only an empty list and a toolbar at the top. The first button in this toolbar is named “Check for problems” - that is the button you've got to press to start the scanning. Lean back and watch the scan progress.

Interpreting the results

 

At this point, you can look at all the results in the list. These are problems that were detected on your computer.

Removing the threats found

 

To select the problems for removal, you will right-click in the empty space next to the entries and choose “Select All.” Next click the “Fix selected problems button.”
It will ask you to confirm that you want those entries removed; click “Yes” then it will fix the problems. When it is complete it will report that to you and you will have to click “OK” to be able to continue. Then you may close the program.

NOTE: If you notice that the updates are not downloading, you can use the arrowed item next to the “Download Updates” button; this allows you to try different servers, as some are busier than others. I usually choose the “Safer Networking #1 (Europe)” server as it isn’t all that busy.

If you run these two programs as recommended above, you will have one less thing to worry about and you won't have to spend the extra money to have your computer repaired when you acquire adware, spyware, malware, and hi-jackers off the internet that can cause your computer to become inoperable.

It has recently come to our attention that there is a site dedicated to uncovering false spyware adware removal programs. If you would be interested in reading up on these, it will give you an idea of how many programs are out there just trying to get your computer, go to this page and read up. http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Disclaimer: We would like to point out that these programs should be updated once a week and though they are recommended by us and keep our computers safe they are not infallible and you may still run into trouble with adware and spyware.