Typically, adware is a separate program that is usually installed at about the same time as a shareware program, and even when the user is no longer running the original program, will continue to generate (unwelcome) advertising.

Removal Tips

The best way to stop ad ware is to avoid it and prevent ad ware free download. However, if you do get ad ware spy ware, you could use the following method to remove it.

• The ad ware removal process is better attempted in safe mode. In Windows 2000, for instance, when pressed for advanced booting options, you can boot to safe mode simply by pressing F8.
• If fortunate, you could also use some ad ware removal software or a free ad ware remover process that automatically gets rid of ad ware. Some such programs may be found at these links
  • Ad-aware and
  • Spybot-Search & Destroy
• Many a time ad ware is removed manually. Some manual ad ware removers and removal processes discuss how a Windows 2000 system task manager may be used to seek and removes those processes that the concerned ad ware program may be running. It would also help in providing links to sites that in turn, would help you determine which of these processes may be harmful, and which may be a legitimate part of your computer.

How to Boot Into Safe Mode

As part of the ad ware blocker process, here are some easy steps to boot into safe mode:

1. In case the system is already turned of, power it back on.

2. If however, the system is already on, then normally shut down the system, wait for about 30 seconds, and then power it on.

3. Begin to tap the F8 key every so many seconds while the system boots up, until the screen that offers you the Safe Mode option appears.

4. Please use the arrow keys for highlighting the Safe Mode, and then press the Enter key.

5. The system now boots into safe mode.

6. On Windows XP, you may be prompted as to whether you really wish to boot into Safe Mode. You may choose “Yes.”

7. Once Windows boots into Safe Mode, you may use the Start/ Programs menu, open the anti virus program, and then run a complete virus scan. Some reliable anti-virus software can be found on sites like www.pcprivacycentral.com (TruPrevent Virus Software) and www.w3privacy.com.

To Remove Ad ware you must further adopt the Following Procedures:

• You would need to seek, identify and destroy any ad ware processes on your system. Some ad ware programs - though currently rare - could even change the file associations for executable programs; so that that the ad ware program is run before any other program. If this situation occurs, and you have used ad ware removers to remove the ad ware program, your system will now be most effectively disabled, unless of course, you allow it to run again. Therefore, it surely is worthwhile to thoroughly check your file associations, before attempting to employ ad ware removal tools to remove ad ware or viruses. This can be achieved by:
  • opening “ My Computer” first,
  • then Clicking on “Tools” and
  • Selecting “ Folder Options”, and then
  • Clicking the “File Types” tab. Scroll down to check for any COM or EXE entries. If you find them, the ad ware may just have modified these settings. Now you would probably require the services of a computer professional.
• Remove all ad ware files from your computer, and either delete or rename them. You would not want to either move them or rename them at first, until you are certain that they are ad ware and that the ad ware has not caused modification to your system, to require them.

Continue to: What Happens After You Stop Adware