I think I have Spyware on my computer
My best guess without looking at the computer directly is that you have Spyware. I had a similar case recently on a friend’s computer. He kept getting pop-ups and just like you, he even got these add “click here” to remove viruses and spyware.
Upon investigation I found that he did have a lot of items on his computer infected by spyware. He also had a secondary issue that his Anti-virus software had not been properly updated. Every time he tried to update his anti-virus patterns, the program would shut down.
Here are some simple items that you can do to check for spyware and to remove viruses.
- Download Spybot Search and Destroy! Click Here for the web site.
- Install the software
- Make sure to download the updates
- Run a full search, you should see a list of issues at the end. Click “Fix Problems”
- Once you have fixed the issues, you will want to click on “Immunize”. This step helps to lower possible future attacks.
- Download Spyware Doctor, having 2 programs look for issues can help to reduce the amount of spyware on your computer. Click Here for the web site.
- This software should automatically update and begin a full scan.
- Allow the software to fix any issues.
- With the Spyware out of the way you should be able to update your Anti-Virus definitions. If you do not have Anti-Virus software, you will need to download some.
- You can get free Anti-Virus software from a number of locations, here is a partial list. I have made all the names links directly to each product.
By running these programs, you should be able to remove the offending items. Occasionally there is the possibility that the only way to rid yourself of all the Spyware is to format the hard drive and rebuild the operating system and all the programs. Unless you are familiar with this process…seek a professional’s help.
