Article ID: 1219
Last Review: Jan 29, 2008
Type: Instructions
How to scan your computer with Spybot Search & Destroy
If you are experiencing problems with pop-ups, ad software, spyware, or malware (or if your computer is acting strangely), you should scan it with Spybot Search & Destroy.
The first time you run Spybot Search & Destroy, a wizard will appear. Click Next several times to pass through the wizard without completing any of its steps.
To scan your computer with Spybot Search & Destroy, do the following:
- Open Spybot & Search & Destroy.
- Click Search for Updates.
- You will be asked to select a download location. Select a USA location. (Figure 1)
- Each update is displayed with a check box next to it. Right-click anywhere on the updates window and click Select All. (Figure 2)
- Click Download to begin downloading and installing the Spybot updates. When Spybot is finished updating click Exit.
- Click Check for problems. Spybot will begin scanning your computer. When the scan is complete, Spybot will list any malicious programs it found. (Figure 3)
- Click Fix selected problems.
- Click Yes to confirm that you want to remove the entries.
- Spybot will begin removing the malicious software. A green check mark will appear next to each item Spybot removed successfully. (Figure 4)
When Spybot is finished, you can close it. It is recommended that you restart your computer after scanning.
If this does not resolve your problem, you should try one or more of the following:
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