University Computer Help Desk

How to scan your computer with Spybot Search & Destroy

Spybot Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware.

Before You Begin

Spybot Search & Destroy is a malware-removal tool that detects and removes spyware.

There are several steps you should take when cleaning an infected computer. Before running Spybot, we recommend you review all the steps involved. Refer to 1550: How to scan and clean an infected computer.

Download and Install Spybot

To download and install Spybot Search & Destroy, do the following:

  1. Download Spybot and install it.
  2. During the installation, you will be given several "additional tasks" that can be performed by Spybot. We recommend removing the check mark next to the task, Use system settings protection (Tea Timer).
  3. Complete the installation.

Scan Your Computer with Spybot

The First Time You Run Spybot

The first time you run Spybot Search & Destroy, a wizard will appear.

  1. Click Next several times to pass through the wizard without completing any of its steps.
  2. Click Start using the program on the final screen of the wizard.

Update Spybot

To update Spybot, do the following:

  1. Open Spybot Search & Destroy. Click Start > All Programs > Spybot - Search & Destroy > Spybot - Search & Destroy.
  2. Click Search for Updates.
  3. You will be asked to select a download location. Select a USA location.
  4. Click Continue.
  5. Put a check mark next to all update items.
    • You can also right-click anywhere in the window and click Select All.
  6. Click Download to begin downloading and installing the Spybot updates.
    • Spybot may restart during the update process.
  7. When Spybot is finished updating, click Exit on the Spybot - S&D Updater window.

After Spybot has been updated, scan your computer.

Scan Your Computer

To scan your computer with Spybot Search & Destroy, do the following:

  1. Open Spybot & Search & Destroy.
  2. Make sure Spybot is up to date (see above).
  3. Click Check for problems. Spybot will begin scanning your computer.
    • A scan typically takes between 20 and 60 minutes to run.
    • When the scan is complete, Spybot will list any malware it found.
  4. Click Fix selected problems.
  5. Click Yes to confirm that you want to remove the entries.
  6. Spybot will begin removing malware. A green check mark will appear next to each item Spybot removed successfully.

When Spybot is finished, you can close it. We recommend you restart your computer after scanning.