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