Home > Ask the Security Channel Experts > Information Security Threats and Countermeasures Questions & Answers > Spyware removal from computers
Ask The Security Channel Expert: Questions & Answers
EMAIL THIS

Spyware removal from computers

Retired Expert - Russell Dean Vines EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Retired Expert - Russell Dean Vines

Pose a Question
Other Security Channel Categories
Meet all Security Channel Experts
Become an Expert for this site


Security Channel Update
Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us    Add to Google


>
QUESTION POSED ON: 10 September 2007

I have a delicate issue. A woman at a client site is using Windows XP Media Center Edition with SP2, but she's quite embarrassed because her PC has displayed an inappropriate picture as her screensaver ever since she downloaded a malicious file from the Internet.

I've tried to spyware removal tools several times. I located it in screensavers, where it was described as AutoCAD file. I deleted it, but it came right back. Then I searched for other files with the same date stamp as the file she downloaded. I deleted both files I found, but still the screensaver comes back. All the antivirus scans on her PC come back normal. How can I permanently remove the screensaver?


>

This is an unusual problem, one I don't think I've heard of before. Usually if this happens, your spyware detector will quarantine it and remove it if it's part of a spyware infestation. Try a new spyware removal tool such as Spybot Search & Destroy. In addition, some advanced screensaver deletion programs are found on Delete Screensaver Software.

Of course, the last resort is to reformat the drive. Be sure to back up just the data files you'll need for restoration, not any of the applications or system files, because you need to have a clean registry to start anew. Good luck!


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us    Add to Google



RELATED CONTENT
Information Security Threats and Countermeasures
Security for mobile broadband
Understanding smurf attacks
What are the network security risks of streaming video?
Malware removal without antivirus software
Threat matrix and risk analysis resources
Blade server security on a storage area network (SAN)
Blade server security hardware advice
Cross-site scripting vulnerability penetration testing
When should automated penetration testing be supplemented with manual pen testing?
Protecting your customer's Windows 2003 server from hackers

Data breach and leak prevention
Data protection fueled by data leakage prevention products and services
Security channel can't ignore full-disk encryption products, services
Vulnerabilities, regulatory compliance drive data protection market
Sophos integrates encryption into endpoint, email security
Maintaining your customers' security amid layoffs
Making the case for 'live' incident response
Mass. data protection law 201 CMR 17: How to get customers ready
Data breach prevention techniques: Helping customers avoid data breaches
PGP partners with Avnet to boost channel play
Data protection services offer revenue for security solution providers

RELATED RESOURCES
2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary



Search and Browse the Expert Answer Center
Search and browse more than 25,000 question and answer pairs from more than 250 TechTarget industry experts.
Browse our Expert Advice

HomeNewsTopicsITKnowledge ExchangeTipsMultimediaWhite PapersBlogsEvents
About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
SEARCH 
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2006 - 2009, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts