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1. First, delete all your temp files. Don't forget to also delete your temp Internet Files.
    (For more help click Here).

2. Consider backing up important files on a memory stick, CD or DVD. Or get 5 gigs of free remote storage
    in case your computer is damaged by viruses, fire or other disasters.

What If My Antivirus Won’t Detect Viruses Or Won't Run, Won’t Update or Stops Mid Stride? (Consumer-SOS)
The new viruses are more sinister than ever. Here's how to STOP Them!

The Virus Won't Let Me To Get To Certain Websites  (Consumer-SOS)
Sometimes a virus will block the sites where you can download security patches and other virus removal tools.
Here’s how to fool it.

Lavasoft’s Adaware
Application to scan for spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software.

Spybot-Search & Destroy
Application to scan for spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software.

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

Zone Alarm (Firewall for Virus Prevention, May not be needed if you have a firewall from Windows Vista)
Keeps hackers out by guarding the doors to your computer.
Also controls which programs access the Internet so it stops spyware, trojans and malaware from "calling home".

Hijack This
Goes into your computer registry and identifies things that were added on later and what they do. Allows you to remove alien programs. To avoid harming your computer, you don't delete something important. If you’re unsure of what the program does, click on their “information button” and “Hijack This” will tell you the type of program it is. For A tutorial Click Here.   When in doubt Google the name of the file to see if others have identified it as malicious.

Pocket Killbox (For deleting Hard To Remove Files)
Good for deleting viruses that hide and reappear when you reboot. Read instructions before using.

CWShredder
CWShredder identifies 30+ variants of the CWS engine and is able to remove them without destroying windows. CWShredder is updated almost weekly because of different variants of the spyware that come out. It is essential software if you have any of the pieces of spyware that uses the CWS engine to hook into your system.

AVG Anti Virus (Free Antivirus Software)
Do not use if another anti-virus programs is already installed-they may cancel each other out.

Avast Antivirus (Free)
Recommended by Consumer Reports.
Do not use if another anti-virus programs is already installed-they may cancel each other out.

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What If Antivirus Won’t Run. Won’t Update or is Stopped Mid Stride?
The following instructions work best for Windows Vista and should only be done if you've already tried several of the latest antivirus programs. Each step is progressive and assumes prior steps didn't work.

1. Get the latest antivirus software including updates via download from a non infected computer, memory stick or CD, and load to your computer. Run with fully updated versions in normal mode.
    
2. Run your antivirus programs in Safemode. (For Safe Mode, restart your computer. (As soon as it turns back on immediately keep pressing “F8”). If successful, reboot and run these programs again in normal mode.
    
3. Do a System Restore to a date before you got the virus. (Start Up Menu, "All Programs", "Accessories", "System Tools", "System Restore")  Then run your antivirus programs again in normal mode. If still trouble, try again in Safemode.
    
4. Reinstate Windows Security functions as the virus may have shut them down. (Start Up Menu, "Control Panel", "Security, Choose your options from menu).
    
5. Trick virus by changing the master file of Malwarebytes or your other antivirus programs (properties, "Find Target", then right click/rename file to something else). Changing the file name fools it so the virus won’t recognize the program.
    
6. Google the name of the virus to see how others have removed it. For example, if Spybot found the bug "Command Services" simply Google this phrase in quotation marks. Others may have posted step-by-step instructions on how to zap it dead.
    
7. Manually delete virus files while in Safemode. Do a Windows Search for the virus file names (file names may be on your "Hijack This" log or listed by your antivirus).
    
8. Rename virus files (In Safemode) to something else so they can't communicate with each other. (sometimes files have anti delete provisions but can still be renamed).
    
9. When all else fails, back up important files and reformat and rebuild hardrive.
   
   If this helped, or you have questions, contact g_firestone@yahoo.com.

Virus is Redirecting URLS/Won’t Let Me Get To Certain Websites

1. Type, or copy and paste the link directly into the address box instead of just clicking on it.
    
2. Or find the link via Google, for example: to find Microsoft security tools, you can Google Microsoft security.
    
3. If the virus blocks you, then click on the Google "cached" version of the page. (right below the normal link)
   The virus will probably not block the cached version and so you'll be able to click on the virus cleanup tools inside.
    
4. Download Windows patches and updates/Set to update every 24 hours and have it update now.

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Searching For Folders/Files/Programs

1. Windows Start Up Menu

2. Computer

3. At Top Right, type in name or part of name in search box.
   (”search tools” and “search everywhere” will suddenly appear below).

4. If you don’t wish to search everywhere (recommended), in “search tools”, click “search options”

5. In “search” tab Make selection by checking boxes.
    The more boxes you check, the more places it will search and the longer your searches will take.

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Cnet.com
Use their search engine to download the latest spyware and virus removal programs.

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Anti-virus Software

For fee based software, the big names are Mcafee or Norton Antivirus.

Other Spyware Removal (Consumer-SOS)

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CyberLaw

CyberLaw (Ohio and Federal Law)

The Electronic Frontier Foundation
Scroll down to right for a comprehensive list of topics from A to Z.

Internet Library of Law & Court Decisions
Extensive summaries of over 450 court decisions shaping the law of the web; providing facts, analysis and pertinent quotes from cases of interest to those who do business on the Internet.

Blogger Legal FAQs
Covers privacy, libel, intellectual property rights and more.

Internet Guide For Students (And Adults Too)
Answers common questions concerning libel, privacy, liability issues, copyright and trademark for online media, independent student Web sites.

Student Press Law Center
Great resources on free speech, defamation and copyright law.