This is the part that I hate to bring up. Sometimes, if you are very heavily infected with spyware or viruses, the best thing you can do is to reformat your hard disk, reinstall windows and start over fresh. I know this is a drastic step, but I've done it on a lot of people's machines and it is often the cure for many kinds of problems.

The key to a successful reinstall is to make sure you back up all of your important data before you start. Burn it to CDs, copy it to an external hard drive or use some other backup method, but make sure it is all backed up. Important things to backup are your My Documents folder, your mp3s, Photos, Favorites, and any other data you have stored on your computer.

Use your original Windows disk to do a clean install. If you have a name brand computer you may need to use your "Restore Disk." Follow the on screen prompts to set up Windows. After the reinstall is complete, immediately turn on your firewall, and reinstall your anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Make sure both are up to date. Be sure to complete all of the items I've previously mentioned. It doesn't matter if you've done them before. Reinstalling Windows is the equivalent of starting over with a brand new computer. Also, make sure you run Windows Update and download all the critical updates that are available. After this you will need to start reinstalling all of your programs from the original discs and downloading your freeware, such as Instant Messenger. Be careful not to re-download anything that might contain spyware! Your best bet is to only download software from a reputable site like www.download.com. You will also need to put all your data back on your computer from your back up. Trust me, you will feel much better after you complete this step.

It may take a few days to get your computer to a point where it feels normal again. You'll slowly get all of your personal settings back to the way that you like them, and before you know it, you'll forget you ever did it, except your machine will be running much more smoothly.

DISCLAIMER
While every attempt has been made to assure all information in this document is accurate, the author assumes no responsibility or liability for any damage or undesired effects resulting from the use of this information. Configurations are different on every computer and results may vary.

This document is copyright 2005 Michael Gatti. No portions may be reproduced or distributed without the express written consent of Michael Gatti.

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