How To Fix Some Spyware…
Here is a list of some of the things I do to remove spyware/malware in no particular order:
Try all the following in safe mode if necessary.
- remember “dir *pattern* /b/s” is your friend.
- Run Mike Lin’s Startup Control Panel and kill any odd stuff
- Do the same with Hijack this and Startup List
- Check hosts files in WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc
- Run task manger and/or process explorer and kill/google odd stuff. Also use process explorer target function to find out thread that is over mouse - great for popups and nag screens of unknown origin.
- Look for unscrupulous system services that are started or have auto startup.
- Look in registry at HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer for things screwing up the desktop.
- Search the registry for things that run at startup (Run folders) : note Mike Lin’s program displays these
- Look in the Customize Desktop properties for things that could be locking the desktop. Uncheck any active desktops that are enabled.
- Look in the IE connection settings for an odd proxy setting.
- Start sysedit and look for anything out of place in any of the files that it displays.
- Also - chances are if you are reading this you should probably take a look at some antispyware and antivirus packages. Microsoft Antispyware and AdAware are decent. I personally use Microsoft’s Antispyware along with a few other programs on my machines I allow to connect to the internet.
I am sure I am forgetting tons of things so please email me/reply and remind me!