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Problem: You're inundated with pop-ups when you boot your PC.
Likely Cause: Spyware or adware.
The Fix: This problem may not be pretty, but most cases
it isn't terminal. Here's how to recover:
- Unplug your PC from the network (or disable your wireless
connection).
- Boot in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key during
boot-up.
- Run a complete system scan using your antivirus software. Then run
both
Ad-Aware and
Spybot, and fix all the problems these antispyware apps uncover.
Restore your Net connection, reboot, and run both programs again after
updating them with the latest definitions. Also consider using an online
Scaner checker, such as one from
TredMicro.
- If you have a truly nasty infection, chances are the prior step
helped but didn't fully solve your problem. (And some spyware can even
wreak havoc in Safe Mode, preventing antispyware apps from running.)
HijackThis is your
next step: It's a specialized application for determining exactly what's
trying to gain control over your PC. HijackThis produces a log file that
you'll probably find to be gibberish. Post it online at one of the
forums listed on the
HijackThis page. A volunteer adviser will offer help on cleaning up
your specific infection, usually within 24 to 72 hours. If you're in a
rush, get an automated
analysis of your HijackThis log (you may still need a person to tell
you which specific tools to use on your PC). (Also, see our
slide show on using HijackThis.)
- If all else fails, try using System Restore to roll back your OS. If
that doesn't work, you'll probably need to reinstall Windows.
But exercising patience when going through the prior step and following
advisers' tips is almost always successful.
How to Avoid It Next Time: Use common sense. Don't click on
strange attachments, pop-ups, or links on dicey sites. Raise IE's security
settings (go to Tools, Internet Options, Security) or switch
browsers. Keep your antivirus and antispyware programs up-to-date. Turn on
System Restore. Disinfect your PC at the first sign of trouble (spyware
tends to snowball). And save current copies of your security apps on a thumb
drive or CD for easy access.
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