I was recently cleaning a system that was infested with viruses and spyware/malware, so I thought I'd write about the programs and methods I use when cleaning a system.

First and foremost, the easiest way to clean your system is to backup all your data and simply format and install a fresh copy of Windows on your system. However, some people don't want to go through this amount of work.

Regardless if you are trying to clean the system, or are installing a fresh version of the OS, I highly recommend the first thing you do is to install all the latest Windows updates. The easiest way to get to the Windows Updates homepage is to open Internet Explore ( The Web Browser), go to tools, and then click where it says: Windows Update. I also recommend turning automatic updates on so you always have the latest and greatest Windows Updates.

Another thing to mention, if you are cleaning a system that is infected, and are on anytype of a network, it's probably a good idea to unplug that machine from the network, and have all your spyware tools on a USB flash drive.

Before getting started, make sure hidden files are shown on your operating system. To do this, open Windows Explorer or My Computer and to go the tools menu. Then click Folder Options, click the View tab, and under Hidden files and folder, click Show hidden files and folders.

Let's get started with some of the tools.

1. Cleanup - This is a good tool for removing any kind of temp files. It's amazing how much room this program will free on your system. First download this program, download the updates. Then boot into safe mode (by pressing F8 while booting your computer).

2. Ad-Aware - Great program for detecting and removing spyware/adware. Be sure to download the updates. Try running this in safe mode also.

3.Spybot Search & Destroy - Another great program, download the updates. Try running in safe mode.

After running in safe mode, you can running these again while booting normally.

4. Hijack This - This is a powerful program, but can also screw things up, because it allows you to delete legitimate things on your computer. I recommend visiting the site, and learning all about it. However, it lets you remove malicious registry entries, and other unwanted files.

When you run this program, you can save the output as a log, and then post the log to various message boards. Then people on those message boards will help you decifer what to delete and what not to delete. I recommend doing this if you're not an advanced user. Do a Google search for Hijack This, and you'll see what I mean.

Prevention / Real Time Protection:

If you already have an antivirus program, make sure your updating the definition files on a regular basis. If you don't have one, or your antivirus has expired, I recommend you download the free version of AVG. It does a pretty good job. It can be found here: http://free.grisoft.com/.

I also recommend you download Windows Defender by Microsoft. Again this tool is free, and it does a good job.

Since both these tools are free, what do you have to lose?

Summary:

With these tools and prevention methods, I'm usually able to clean any system. If these tools don't help, I recommend a clean install. Be a good netizen and keep your system clean. Don't open file attachments you are unaware of. Lastly, run a virus program and a spyware program with real time protection.