| I was recently cleaning a system that was | | | | mode, you can running these again while |
| infested with viruses and spyware/malware, so | | | | booting normally.4. Hijack This - This is a |
| I thought I'd write about the programs and | | | | powerful program, but can also screw things |
| methods I use when cleaning a system.First | | | | up, because it allows you to delete |
| and foremost, the easiest way to clean your | | | | legitimate things on your computer. I |
| system is to backup all your data and simply | | | | recommend visiting the site, and learning all |
| format and install a fresh copy of Windows on | | | | about it. However, it lets you remove |
| your system. However, some people don't want | | | | malicious registry entries, and other |
| to go through this amount of work.Regardless | | | | unwanted files.When you run this program, you |
| if you are trying to clean the system, or are | | | | can save the output as a log, and then post |
| installing a fresh version of the OS, I | | | | the log to various message boards. Then |
| highly recommend the first thing you do is to | | | | people on those message boards will help you |
| install all the latest Windows updates. The | | | | decifer what to delete and what not to |
| easiest way to get to the Windows Updates | | | | delete. I recommend doing this if you're not |
| homepage is to open Internet Explore ( The | | | | an advanced user. Do a Google search for |
| Web Browser), go to tools, and then click | | | | Hijack This, and you'll see what I |
| where it says: Windows Update. I also | | | | mean.Prevention / Real Time Protection:If you |
| recommend turning automatic updates on so you | | | | already have an antivirus program, make sure |
| always have the latest and greatest Windows | | | | your updating the definition files on a |
| Updates.Another thing to mention, if you are | | | | regular basis. If you don't have one, or your |
| cleaning a system that is infected, and are | | | | antivirus has expired, I recommend you |
| on anytype of a network, it's probably a good | | | | download the free version of AVG. It does a |
| idea to unplug that machine from the network, | | | | pretty good job. It can be found here: also |
| and have all your spyware tools on a USB | | | | recommend you download Windows Defender by |
| flash drive.Before getting started, make sure | | | | Microsoft. Again this tool is free, and it |
| hidden files are shown on your operating | | | | does a good job.Since both these tools are |
| system. To do this, open Windows Explorer or | | | | free, what do you have to lose?Summary:With |
| My Computer and to go the tools menu. Then | | | | these tools and prevention methods, I'm |
| click Folder Options, click the View tab, and | | | | usually able to clean any system. If these |
| under Hidden files and folder, click Show | | | | tools don't help, I recommend a clean |
| hidden files and folders.Let's get started | | | | install. Be a good netizen and keep your |
| with some of the tools.1. Cleanup - This is a | | | | system clean. Don't open file attachments you |
| good tool for removing any kind of temp | | | | are unaware of. Lastly, run a virus program |
| files. It's amazing how much room this | | | | and a spyware program with real time |
| program will free on your system. First | | | | protection.Greg Ashbaugh is the owner of |
| download this program, download the updates. | | | | AshbaughOnline.com, a technology site |
| Then boot into safe mode (by pressing F8 | | | | consisting of tech related news, reviews, and |
| while booting your computer).2. Ad-Aware - | | | | tutorials. When Greg is not working on the |
| Great program for detecting and removing | | | | site, he works full time as an IT Systems |
| spyware/adware. Be sure to download the | | | | Administrator for one of the largest |
| updates. Try running this in safe mode | | | | organizations in the United States.Visit to |
| also.3.Spybot Search & Destroy - Another | | | | stay abreast of technology trends. You can |
| great program, download the updates. Try | | | | even subscribe to receive all postings in |
| running in safe mode.After running in safe | | | | your e-mail. |