How to detect and remove spyware

It may seem like overkill, but - unfortunately - that's the nature of anti-spyware programs - there's no one-step solution, although, of all the programs we tested, Spy Sweeper performed near the top, as did Spyware Doctor, which I also like very much.

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Q. How does spyware get on my computer?

A. There are several ways. Sometimes it arrives as an automatic (and hidden) download from a website you are surfing. This happens a lot on porn sites. Also, sometimes, if you download a free or illegal piece of software, spyware can be embedded in the installation process. Or spyware can get on your computer via an e-mail attachment that you shouldn't have opened. If you get infected by a Trojan horse it can download spyware onto your computer too.

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Q. I have a spyware remover program installed, but it doesn't remove a particular type of spyware on my computer. What can I do?

A. Just like your anti-virus program, you need to update the signatures (also called "definitions") in your anti-spyware program so that it will catch new spyware programs that are released. Go into the spyware program and see if it has a method to update these. Any good anti-spyware software will make it easy to do this and may be doing it automatically already.

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Q. My Internet Explorer has been hijacked (in other words, my browser's home page has been changed to one I don't want and I can't change it back). What can I do?

A. We recommend that you download the free program called Trend Micro HijackThis, and manually remove the spyware that is hijacking your browser. Here's a step by step article on how to do that - you won't find free instructions like this that are this good anywhere else on the Internet! How to fix a hijacked browser.

Spy Sweeper, Spyware Doctor, Windows Defender,and Spybot Search & Destroy also have some capabilities to remove browser hijackers.

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Q. How can I delete spyware manually?

A. It's not easy, but the steps are outlined in the security chapter of Andy Walker's book Windows Vista Help Desk

You can also remove spyware by turning the program off in your StartUp area. To learn how to do that, read this Optimize Windows XP article.

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Q. What can I do to stop spyware?

A. Actually, there are a few things you can do.

• Don't download programs by companies you are not familiar with.
• Avoid shareware and freeware.
• Don't download illegal or pirated software.
• Set your browser security. With Internet Explorer, click Tools > Internet Options > the Security tab, and move the slider to MEDIUM or preferably HIGH. The only problem with this is it may block access to some websites you want to see. Ultimately, your best bet is to get an anti-spyware program and scan your system regularly, making sure you keep your signatures/definitions current.

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Q. What can I do if my web browser's homepage is hijacked by spyware?

A. Here's a column on how to fix that: Stand up against hijackers.

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Q. What about free anti-spyware programs? Any good?

A. Yes, you might consider Spybot Search & Destroy, AdAware, or Windows Defender (formerly known as Microsoft Anti-Spyware).
All are good, and all solve problems with varying levels of success and ease of use.

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Q. Great advice, got any more computer threat-related columns?

A. Sure do! See our Anti-Spam FAQ and our Anti-Virus Center.

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Q. I still have questions, or need assistance with a particular problem. Where can I get help?

A. Try our free Tech Help Forums. You may also want to look at our Emergency Help page.

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