If Symantec AntiVirus, Ad-Aware, and Spybot are having problems removing a pesky virus or bit of spyware from your computer, try using Safe Mode. This boots Windows with a stripped-down configuration so that only the essentials are loaded. To do this:
- Turn off your computer.
- Turn on your computer and immediately begin tapping the F8 key about once every 2 seconds. You must do this before the Windows graphic appears.
- When the black-and-white menu appears, select Safe Mode and press Enter.
- On the next black-and-white menu, select the first option listed and press Enter.
- Windows will startup. When the box saying Windows is running in Safe Mode appears, click Yes.
- You will know that it worked correctly when the words Safe Mode appear on all 4 corners of your desktop.
Then try running the scans again.
Note that while running in Safe Mode, the graphics on your screen will larger and less colorful. Also, you will not have access to the Internet.
