Why does my PC have Spyware?

My husband and I were trying to get rid of spyware and he noticed a folder called "srchasst" in the windows directory.

We see conflicting information while searching on Google about this and were wondering if it is legitimate.

Thank you.

This question was answered on May 26, 2005. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

---

These spyware applications also can slow your computer down and make some essential web sites like http://WebCT.nmu.edu inaccessible They can track your surfing habits, abuse your Internet connection by sending this data to a third party, profile your shopping preferences, hijack your browser start page or pages, alter important system files, and can do this without your knowledge or permission.

To protect yourself, scan your computer periodically for spyware by using Lavasoft’s Ad-aware with the LSP and Messenger-Control plug-ins

Downloading and Installing Ad-aware:

1 Click here then click Open to install Ad-aware.

If this link does not work, download directly from Lavasoft by clicking here.

2 Click here then click Open to install the Ad-aware LSP plug-in.

If this link does not work, download directly from Lavasoft by clicking here.

3 Click here then click Open to install the Ad-aware Messenger-Control plug-in.

If this link does not work, download directly from Lavasoft by clicking here.

Using Ad-aware:

1 Open the Ad-aware program by double-clicking the icon on your desktop.

2 Click Check for updates now to get the latest spyware definitions.

3 Click Connect.

4 If there are updates, click OK to install them.

5 Click Finish.

6 Click Start to start the scan, then click Next.

7 Click Next to display the scan results.

8 Select all the items on the list by right-clicking and choosing Select all objects, then click Next.

9 Click OK to remove all objects.

NOTE: But before you do that last step make sure that none of the objects include files that belongs to your computer

About the author

Posted by Johnny of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on May 26, 2005

Need Help with this Issue?

We help people with technology! It's what we do.
Contact or Schedule an Appointment with a location for help!