Run Spybot - Search & Destroy

Use these instructions to run Spybot for the first time. If you have used Spybot before and wish to run a routine scan, skip to Section II.

Section I: Running Spybot for the first time

  1. A window similar to the following will appear:

    Spybot create registroy backup window. Click Create registry backup.
  2. Click Create registry backup.
  3. Once this process has finished, click Next. A window similar to the following will appear:

    Spybot search for updates window. Select Search for updates.
  4. Click Search for updates. Spybot will search for all available updates. At this point the Download all available updates button will become active.
  5. Click Download all available updates.
  6. Once this process has finished, click Next. A window similar to the following will appear:

    Spybot Immunize this system window. Select Immunize this system.
  7. Click Immunize this system.
  8. Once this process has finished, click Next.

Section II: Running a routine Spybot scan

  1. Launch Spybot - Search & Destroy from the Start menu if it is not already running. A window similar to the following will appear:

    Main screen of Spybot.
  2. Make sure that you are connected to the Internet. Click Search for updates to ensure you are using the latest spyware definitions.
  3. If Spybot informs you that no updates are available, proceed to step 5. Otherwise, a window similar to the following will appear:

    Download updates window of Spybot. After ensuring that all the Updates in the list at the bottom are checked, select Download Updates.
  4. Check all the available updates as indicated and then click Download Updates.
  5. After installing all updates, click Search & Destroy in the left column. A window similar to the following will appear:

    The Search & Destroy window of Spybot. Select Check for problems.
  6. Click Check for problems. A scan will run. This may take several minutes. If any problems are found, they will be shown in a window similar to the following:

    Search & Destroy results screen listing security problems and vulnerabilities. Check the boxes for the problems you want to remove, and then select Fix selected problems.
  7. Check the problems you wish to eliminate and click Fix selected problems. A window similar to the following will appear:

    Confirmation window for removing the problems. Select Yes.
  8. Click Yes.
  9. Spybot - Search & Destroy offers real-time protection against many instances of new spyware with its Immunize feature. See Use Spybot's Immunize Function for instructions.
  10. For more information about some of Spybot's other features, please see the Spybot - Search & Destroy support documentation.

Support Contacts

Support Contact:

NUIT Support Center
Central service desk for students, faculty, and staff.
847-491-4357 (1-HELP)
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