Strategies for Removing Adware

Adware is a name for the pop-up ads that accompany some software packages. If you've ever opened up an application and been greeted by an advertisement or the installation of an unwanted toolbar on your web browser, you have encountered adware.

Most adware isn't considered illegal, but it can be quite annoying. The illegal component of adware consists of files that have keylogger spyware attached. These sneaks steal personal information, credit card numbers, bank account passwords and more in an attempt to steal your money or identity. Luckily, adware of all types can be removed with several different methods.

Uninstall

The most obvious way to remove the unwanted ads is to delete the software that introduced them to your computer. Here is how you do this:

1. Click on your Start menu.
2. Choose Computer from the menu.
3. Click on the Uninstall option.
4. Find the software on the list and click on the Remove or Uninstall button.

If the software also downloaded a toolbar, you will also need to find and uninstall the toolbar. Unfortunately, though, some of the more nefarious ads can't be deleted using the Uninstall tool on your computer, so you will need to take measures that are more drastic.

Anti-virus Software

One of the simplest ways to remove adware and keep your computer protected from additional installations is to install anti-virus software that specializes in removing adware. This approach will clean up the ads and destroy any spyware that may have hitched a ride on the software, as long as the security application also specializes in the removal of spyware. Do some research before you purchase security software. Not all packages remove both spyware and adware.

Some software experts recommend starting your computer in Safe Mode before running a virus scan. This will disable any software and will keep the computer from accessing the internet, which will make any spyware easier to delete.

Upgrade

Another simple way to clean up annoying ads is by upgrading your software. Often, for a fee, companies will offer you the opportunity to upgrade your software to a version that is ad free. This is a particularly common feature of shareware or free downloads. The company gets you hooked on the software, drives you crazy with ads and then convinces you to purchase the full version to get rid of the ads.

Adjust Your Browser

If the unwanted addition from your download is a new toolbar, such as Ask.com or Zwinky, the easiest way to deal with the pest is to hide it.

1. Open your browser.
2. Right click on the area around the unwanted toolbar.
3. Uncheck the box next to the new toolbar's name.

The toolbar should disappear from your browsers. Unfortunately, this isn't a permanent fix, but it can solve the annoyance during a time when you're too busy to take further steps to remove the toolbar.

Even though adware can be annoying, many legitimate companies include pop-up ads on even their advanced software. Ads from legitimate companies aren't harmful to your computer or your identity, though, so you may simply learn to ignore them.

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