Contact Information

• Instructor: David J. Malan
• TFs: Rei, Dan, Eugenia
• Course Staff Email: cscie1@fas.harvard.edu
• Meetings available by appointment

Spyware and Adware Removal

Using Spybot

• Install the program "Spybot - Search and Destroy" (a download link is available in the "Software" section under "Security") by running the downloaded executable.
• At the in end of the installation, you will be asked whether you want to run Spybot. Click "OK".
• On first run, a pop-up informs you that, essentially, if you remove some spyware features then you may not be able to use the associated products (many free programs, such as browser toolbars, install spyware on your machine). You can check "do not show this message again" if you wish and press "OK".
• It is a good idea to create the Windows Registry back-up in case you want to re-allow some programs to run. This process may take a few minutes. Do not use the system during this time. Wait until the "Create registry backup" becomes "visible" again (i.e. it's greyed out) and click "Next".
• On the next screen, click on "Search for updates".
• Once the button becomes available, click on "Download all avaialble updates". When the program's down downloading, click "Next".
• Click "Immunize this system". This is a preventative measure that doesn't actually remove spyware that already exists on your computer, but prevents new spyware from being installed. Once the process has completed, click "Next".
• You may now read the tutorials or proceed to use the program.
• Click "Check for problems" to search your system for spyware.
• This search may take a while. A status bar at the bottom tells you how many problems have been checked for.
• Once the process completes, all detected spyware applications will be listed in the main window. You may uncheck the ones you trust and need to keep. Then click on "Fix selected problems".
• Once the process completes, you may quit the program. In the future, you may also click "Immunize" to re-immunize your system if you have updated spyware definitions.
• After an analysis, the program will tell you whether any more immunizations are possible. If a new immunization is needed, click "Immunize" button next to a green cross.
• Spybot shows its status after immunization.
• It is a good idea to update your definitions from time to time (every time you run Spybot). From the main menu, click on "Search for updates".
• Once you have available updates listed, click "Download updates". Notice that part of the update are new retection rules and an updated immunization database.