Getting rid of spyware can be made easier if you know what tools to use. This post is your resource for spyware removal. Generally speaking, the way to remove spyware is by installing a removal tool. There are a number of tools that you can install that will scan your computer and remove offending programs but they fall into the following categories:

1. Identification and Removal

The identification and removal tools are good comprehensive methods for spyware removal.   They scan, quarantine. and remove spyware for you.  There are free and pay tools available.

Free

Avast
Ad-Aware
Windows Defender
Spybot Search and Destroy

Pay

PC Tools Spyware Doctor
Prevx
Sunbelt CounterSpy
Sunbelt Vipre
Webroot Spy Sweeper

2. Prevention

These tools/methods are for stopping spyware from getting on to your computer.  Follow the links below to learn more about what programs to download and instructions to follow.

Spyware Blaster
Spyware block list file
Browser Host file configuration
Privoxy Proxy server using a Block List file

3. Informational/Insight

For advanced users, these tools can scan your system and point out vulnerable areas in your system.  With this information, you can make deletions or changes manually.  With more research, you can learn if the items the tools produced are indeed malicious and you can remove them yourself.  This method can be more thorough than a removal tool.

CWShredder
Hijackthis
Process Explorer
ProcessScanner
Security Task Manager
Winpatrol
X-raypc

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