What to Do When a Computer Is Infected With Spyware That McAfee Can't Fix

Starting With the Basics

• First of all, make sure that McAfee is fully up to date when it's scanning for malware. Sometimes it's capable of removing malware, but the user just hasn't updated it with the latest info. Also be sure to check McAfee's website for any emerging news on the malware that's causing you trouble. Sometimes, the website has instructions for removing malware that haven't been added to the database yet.
  
  

Asking Around

• Let's say that you get that far, and nothing works. Don't lose hope! While you sometimes need an additional piece of software, other times, the answer is just a Google search away. If you know the name of the program that installed the malware, search for that. (You can usually tell which one it is because your computer wasn't acting funny until you installed it.) You can also check your Task Manager for running programs whose names you don't recognize, and Google those. If the program is benign, you'll know in a few minutes. If not, there may be instructions for removal.
  
  

Bringing Out the Big Guns

• If you've had no luck so far, there are a couple of reputable programs you can use to scan your system for malware. One is Ad-Aware, made by Lavasoft. You can download a free version from the Lavasoft site and trial versions of other editions as well. It's a relatively painless process: Just download, install, let it check for updates, set it to scan your system, and go make yourself a cup of coffee. Like a virus scan, it will take quite a while to inspect your whole system.
  
  Another popular option is Spybot Search & Destroy. This program is also free, or you can choose to donate to the project. The process works the same way; if anything is ambiguous, Spybot's website has a detailed tutorial that explains pretty much every aspect of the program in clear language.
  
  

Tying Up Loose Ends

• It's recommended that you use both programs, since one may detect something that the other does not. Since you can legitimately obtain them for free, there's no cost consideration. Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D may ask you to restart your computer after the scan, because some spyware can only be removed during the start-up process. Once that's done, you may want to scan again, just to make sure.
  
  If the malware is still present on your computer, you will probably have to consult your antivirus provider or ask around on its community message boards. If no solutions emerge, you probably won't really have any other option than to reinstall Windows, unfortunately.