If you’re not running your Web browser and are still getting pop-up ads
on your desktop, you’ve most likely installed adware—a program that
displays unwanted ads. Although benevolent adware exists, most of the
time adware is up to no good. Getting rid of it isn't easy. “There’s a
ton of little system-utility tools out there that promise to clean up
everything, with names like PC Speed-up, PC Speed Pro, PC Speedifier,”
Geek Squad’s Meister says. “A lot of times those programs are not going
to do much. Some programs will work, others are snake oil.”
Avoid
downloading programs that offer to speed up your PC or clean up your
registry. Instead, use a trustworthy adware scanner like the free
version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware tool.
Running a full scan with credible antivirus software is your first step.
If that program doesn’t find and remove the adware, turn to Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free,
a great utility for removing all types of malware. Just make sure to
disable your standard antivirus software before running it.
“Multiple antivirus programs working at the same time will often result
in problems,” Falcon Northwest’s Petrie says. “You only want one active,
real-time antivirus scanner installed, but it doesn’t hurt to run an
additional ‘on demand’ virus or malware scanner.”
Searching online for the name of the advertised product can sometimes
yield solutions from fellow victims. If all else fails, there’s always
the nuclear option: a complete system reinstall. It might take a long
time, but it’s the only surefire way to remove adware or spyware.
Remember to back up all your personal files.
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