Disable Browser Add-Ons
Step 1 – Click Start, then “Internet Explorer” to start Explorer.
Step 2 – If you’re using Internet Explorer 8, click the “Tools” button, then click “Manage Add-Ons.” If you’re using Internet Explorer 7, click the “Tools” button, point to “Manage Add-Ons” and then click “Enable or Disable Add-Ons.”
Step 3 – If using Internet Explorer 8, click “All Add-Ons” under “Show.”
Step 4 – If using Internet Explorer 8, select the add-on you want to disable, then click “Disable.” If using Internet explorer 7, click “Disable” under “Settings.” Repeat this step for every add-on you want to disable.
Viruses and Spyware
Step 1 – Download Windows Defender from the Microsoft Download Center (See Resources). Windows Defender is free software provided by Microsoft that scans computers for spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Viruses and spyware can significantly slow down the speed of your computer.
Step 2 – Run a quick scan of your computer after you install Windows Defender. Windows Defender will automatically prompt you to download updates and perform a quick scan of your computer after installation. It searches areas of your computer that are at the highest risk of spyware and automatically deletes spyware that’s found.
Step 3 – Download and install the Malicious Software Removal Tool from the Microsoft Download Center. (See Resources)
Step 4 – Click the “Start” button at the bottom-left corner of your screen and then “Run.” Type “MRT” and press “Enter.”
Step 5 – Click “Next” on the window titled “Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool.”
Step 6 – Select “Full Scan” and click “Next” on the screen titled “Scan Type.”
Step 7 – Wait for the Malicious Software Removal Tool to scan your hard drive for viruses and spyware.
Step 8 – Click “View Detailed Results of the Scan” to see which worms, viruses and trojans were removed from the hard drive of your computer. Click “Finish” to exit the Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Uninstall Old Programs
Step 1 – Click the Start button, then click “Control Panel.”
Step 2 – Under “Programs,” click “Uninstall a Program.”
Step 3 – Select a program you want to uninstall from your computer, then click “Uninstall.”