Remove adware/spyware applications from your computer:

Spyware and adware applications running on your computer can cause your computer and the college computer network to run slower than normal. These programs can do many different things without your knowledge. They can display "pop-up" advertisements, track what web-sites you visit, and what you purchase online, etc. It is best to remove this software from your computer.

Microsoft Windows Defender is a popular application for removing spyware and adware applications from your computer automatically for you and protecting you automatically from other threats. For more information about Windows Defender or to download the software from off campus, please see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsdefender.

There is also a free on-line spyware scanner available here: http://www.trendmicro.com/spyware-scan/ from Trend Micro.

Installing Windows Defender

1. To install Microsoft Windows Defender from ON CAMPUS, click on the following link: http://terrier9.tcnet.thomas.edu/dist/WindowsDefender/WindowsDefender.msi to download the program. (If you are using the 64 bit version of Windows, click here instead: http://terrier9.tcnet.thomas.edu/dist/WindowsDefender/WindowsDefender.msi) To install Microsoft Windows Defender from OFF CAMPUS, click here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsdefender to access Windows Defender directly from Microsoft.)
2. Run through the setup process, accepting the license agreement, using recommended settings, and clicking next until finished.
3. Once you have installed Windows Defender, the program should scan your computer. If not, start the scan manually by clicking Start, All Programs, Windows Defender, Windows Defender.
4. If prompted, update your spyware definitions.
5. After updating, Scan your computer for spyware and adware programs.
6. After several minutes, you will be told which programs were found and given an option to remove or restrict the actions of those offending applications.
7. Remove any spyware and adware programs that are found.