Removing Spyware and Malware from a Windows PC Using Spybot Search and Destroy

Info

Level: Beginner
Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
Date Created: January 16, 2012
Length of Class: 43 Minutes
Tracks

Computer Security /Integrity
Computer Repair
Prerequisites

Simple Windows PC Tune Up
Cleaning an Infected Windows PC
Purpose of Class

This class teaches students how to remove spyware and malware from their Windows PC using Spybot Search and Destroy
Chapters

Introduction (00:00)
First Steps (07:43)
Spybot Search and Destroy (13:20)
Demonstration (28:09)
Final Thoughts (33:26)
Class Notes

Introduction
Spyware and Malware tries to make your computer do things you do not want it to do, not destroy it.
Spyware can generally be removed fairly easily
Spybot Search and Destroy has been a solid product for many years and is free
First Steps
First do a basic PC Tune Up: Delete temp Files, Uninstall Crapware, Disable Startup Items
Verify AntiVirus is installed and working
AntiVirus Software removes PUPs - Potentially Unwanted Programs, that are almost always unwanted.
Install ALL Updates: Make sure Internet Explorer is up to date, Install ALL Windows Updates, Install Latest Java, Install latest Flash and Adobe Reader.
Spybot Search and Destroy
Eli suggests that you do not use Tea Timer - a Registry Guard
When you start Spybot Right Click Icon and Select "Run as Administrator"
Immunize System - This edits the HOSTS file for DNS protection and locks it. It additionally closes other holes.
Demonstration
Final Thoughts
If Spybot does not remove the spyware you can try other Anti Spyware software (Malwarebytes, Combofix, AdAware, etc.)
After the spyware has been removed uninstall any additional Anti Spyware software you have installed
To protect your system in the future use Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari to prevent getting malware in the future. (Or buy a Mac)
Resources

Spybot Search and Destroy