Some types of badware are easily removed, while others are difficult to eliminate. In some cases, it may be necessary to format your hard drive or replace hardware to ensure that the badware is gone. That said, the following steps may help you identify and remove badware without resorting to extreme measures:

1. Scan using your existing security software

• If you have existing anti-virus or other security software, use its update function to download the latest definitions.
• Run a full system scan with your existing software and remove any serious threats found. If removing the threats requires paying for a license, this might be a scam (it also might not), and you may want to follow the rest of the steps here before paying.

2. Try another product and/or a free online scan

• Complete another full system scan using a different security product or a free online scan. StopBadware does not endorse any particular product, but you can inquire for recommendations from our online community.

3. Request assistance from your security software vendor

• Many publishers of anti-virus software offer free clean-up assistance to customers with current, paid subscriptions to their products. Contact the publisher for more information.

4. Request assistance from the community

• The volunteers in our online community at BadwareBusters.org may be able to help you detect and remove the badware from your computer. It’s free, so why not give it a try?

5. Hire a professional

• Many computer stores and consultants have experience with removing badware. Ask around to find a reputable provider.

When you finish dealing with the badware on your computer, please consider helping out the community by sharing your story and/or assisting users with similar issues over at BadwareBusters.org. Also, be sure to check out our tips on how to avoid being infected to ensure your computer doesn’t get hit again.