How to Delete Harmful Files
Every program is made of individual files, whether or not it’s a regular application or a parasite. Spyware programs use harmful files to install themselves and secretly collect personal information about you. Many spyware programs use your Internet connection to access your PC and hijack your browser, monitor your Web surfing habits, change your settings, and annoy you with pop-up ads.
You can delete spyware files two ways: manually, or with an anti-spyware program. To remove harmful files manually you must be familiar with computer technology. When you manually remove any computer file, there’s a risk that the smallest mistake may destroy your PC, so choosing to use an anti-spyware program is by far the safest and quickest way you can delete harmful files. An anti-spyware program scans your computer, displays the suspected files, and allows you to decide what should be removed.
Learn how to remove unwanted harmful files and folders from your computer, even when they’re hidden.
Warning: Manually deleting malicious files is a difficult and risky. If you delete the wrong file, your computer may crash and important data may be lost. As a precautionary measure, please back up important files and set a System Restore point (click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore, and follow the on-screen instructions) or run a spyware check with a trusted anti-spyware program to automatically detect spyware.
If you know the name of the parasite you want to remove or at least part of it, you should use Windows search tool to the exact file path of the parasite. To launch the Windows search tool, click the “Start” > “Search” > “All Files or Folders”. Type the file name or its part to the field and locate where you want to search for it. Click on the drive, folder, or disk you wish to perform a search. It is recommended that you select “Look in: Local Hard Drives” or “Look in: My Computer” to get better results. Click on the “Search” button to start the search.
If you don’t know the exact spelling of a filename, but you have an idea where it can be located, you should try to find the file manually. Parasites tend to hide themselves so you will need to enable the functions that lets to display hidden and system protected files.
You can delete the harmful file by using Windows Explorer or any other similar program that locates files and folders in your machine. You should also note that the Recycle Bin should be emptied before starting the removal procedure. The message may appear that the file is in use and is impossible to be removed. In this case, you should terminate the process which is associated with the file and then delete it.
In order to delete it, you should open the Windows Task Manager by pressing “CTRL + ALT + DEL” or “CTRL + SHIFT + ESCAPE”. Look at the Processes tab and select the process that corresponds with the file and click on the “End Process” button.
It is possible that some processes will start just after you terminate them. To avoid that, you will need to reboot your machine into the Windows Safe Mode. When this mode is launched, the programs do not start automatically on startup, so it means that many system services can be easily terminated and harmful files can be removed.
The harmful file can also be located and removed by using the “Command Prompt”. To find the location of the harmful file, type “cd name_of_the_folder” and invoke the command by typing “del name_of_the_file”.
If you want to delete entire folder, use the command “rmdir /S name_of_the_folder”.
If you feel that the listed removal procedures are too complicated and you still want to remove the harmful file, we recommend to download SpyHunter’s spyware scanner.
(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
Loading ...
You can delete spyware files two ways: manually, or with an anti-spyware program. To remove harmful files manually you must be familiar with computer technology. When you manually remove any computer file, there’s a risk that the smallest mistake may destroy your PC, so choosing to use an anti-spyware program is by far the safest and quickest way you can delete harmful files. An anti-spyware program scans your computer, displays the suspected files, and allows you to decide what should be removed.
Learn how to remove unwanted harmful files and folders from your computer, even when they’re hidden.
Delete Harmful Files Manually
Warning: Manually deleting malicious files is a difficult and risky. If you delete the wrong file, your computer may crash and important data may be lost. As a precautionary measure, please back up important files and set a System Restore point (click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore, and follow the on-screen instructions) or run a spyware check with a trusted anti-spyware program to automatically detect spyware.
Locate the harmful file
If you know the name of the parasite you want to remove or at least part of it, you should use Windows search tool to the exact file path of the parasite. To launch the Windows search tool, click the “Start” > “Search” > “All Files or Folders”. Type the file name or its part to the field and locate where you want to search for it. Click on the drive, folder, or disk you wish to perform a search. It is recommended that you select “Look in: Local Hard Drives” or “Look in: My Computer” to get better results. Click on the “Search” button to start the search.
Make hidden files visible
If you don’t know the exact spelling of a filename, but you have an idea where it can be located, you should try to find the file manually. Parasites tend to hide themselves so you will need to enable the functions that lets to display hidden and system protected files.
- First, you should start Windows Explorer. If the version of OS that you use is Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Server 2003, click on the “Tools” menu and select “Internet Options”. In the “Advanced Settings” list find the title “Show hidden files and folders” and select it. It is recommended to remove a checkmark next to the line “Hide protected operating system files”, in order not to affect the files from your OS.
- There are cases that some files may still remain invisible. To see them, load the “Command Prompt”, press the “Start” button on your taskbar and select “Run”. In the emerged dialog, type in “cmd” and press enter or click “OK” button.
- In the emerged window type “dir /A name_of_the_folder” in order to display all the files, including those that are hidden.
Delete the harmful file
You can delete the harmful file by using Windows Explorer or any other similar program that locates files and folders in your machine. You should also note that the Recycle Bin should be emptied before starting the removal procedure. The message may appear that the file is in use and is impossible to be removed. In this case, you should terminate the process which is associated with the file and then delete it.
In order to delete it, you should open the Windows Task Manager by pressing “CTRL + ALT + DEL” or “CTRL + SHIFT + ESCAPE”. Look at the Processes tab and select the process that corresponds with the file and click on the “End Process” button.
It is possible that some processes will start just after you terminate them. To avoid that, you will need to reboot your machine into the Windows Safe Mode. When this mode is launched, the programs do not start automatically on startup, so it means that many system services can be easily terminated and harmful files can be removed.
The harmful file can also be located and removed by using the “Command Prompt”. To find the location of the harmful file, type “cd name_of_the_folder” and invoke the command by typing “del name_of_the_file”.
If you want to delete entire folder, use the command “rmdir /S name_of_the_folder”.
If you feel that the listed removal procedures are too complicated and you still want to remove the harmful file, we recommend to download SpyHunter’s spyware scanner.
Posted: June 6, 2006 | By SpywareRemove
MoreRate this article:
(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5) Loading ...
Hi. I have a problem about this virus i hope you can help me about this.
6jgup0b.cmd with scripted code of HEUR-DBLEXT
everytime i open my c:/ it execute a open with.. program.
i hope you will help me.. thanks a lot and more power.
I too have the Anti-virus 360 and how do I get rid of it and protect my computer from this happening again.
Thanks
I agree with ALL of the above…somehow the Antivirus 360 has been downloaded to my computer…and I thought I finally got it all off, but when i try to search the net, it blocks certain sites…saying that this site might contain harmful stuff and i should ACTIVATE Antivirus 360 (HELL NO!!)..Please tell me what to do, or where I have gone wrong….
Frustrated!!!!
please help me to remove the spyware and adware on my pc
i need help in removing “Spyware Protect 2009″
Bob Chay did you get rid of Antivirus 360 yet, I have it on mine now and it shows up on webpages at the top of the screen. I used smitfraudfix.com, its free, and it found many trogans and other shit which it removed. MY pc is faster now but that 360 pop up is still there.
I’m trying to remove the system security from my computer. I cant find it under my task manager. when I look for it in the cmd it’s says that it has no label but gives me a serial number. I’m confused…please help me
I’m with Bob Chay (December 11th, 2008 @ 7:13pm), please help me remove Antivirus 360. Out of nowhere it appeared and is claiming that I have a threat. I only installed Free AVG Anti-virus for protection and don’t understand where this came from & am worried it is a virus. I should remove this correct? If so, how? Thank you.
Please help me remove Antivirus 360. Bob Thanks
I wish I understood all that stuff but i’m not a computer whiz > All I want to do is get rid of that annoying Antivirus 360 Please help me? Thanks Bob
try going into your system tools and do a “system restore”…I had m.exe…tried deleting it manually after I couldn’t stop it in task manager….then I got the “blue screen of death” that I hadn’t seen since Win95.
I did a System Restore…went back 3 days…that fixed my problem completely!
how can i delete smss.exe file ! its in the folder system32 i cant delete the folder and the task manager is not allowin to end the process ?????plz suggest
Thank you! I was having problems with a DLL file getting held up while booting Windows Vista. The information here helped a bunch!
I downloaded the “Internet Antivirus Pro” and it turned out that it was a spyware or a virus. I followed the directions above and still it can’t be deleted.. I tried the Command Prompt but it always says that “The system cannot find the file specified”.. Can anyone help me?
my anti-virus can’t remove virus from my computer named Trojan-GameThief.Win32.MultiFirst.h, it’s located in C:\WINDOWS\System32\system.exe can anyone help?
i am not able to understand what is anti spam word
m not able to remove my virus named autorun.inf..through this process..at the end after i hav typed in rmdir/s name f the file..it says like the process cannot access the file because it is being used by anotheer process..
help me plz..!!!
this total secure 2009 anti spy ware is some bu****it. I’m not the most computer savvey person but it’s giving me the flux. I’ve deleted it in the task manager and registry but it keeps coming back. and to make things worse, every time i try get on line or even attempt to go to a site to “remove” it manually it kicks me off. Even to the point where I can’t get into my control panel or to search my computer’s c drive. If i find the a** *ole who created this bogus site I’ll kick his a** for all of us. In the mean time what can i do?
I am experiencing the same problems as Nelboy. I’ve tried unregistering the DLL’s, but my only response was that “shlwapi.dll was loaded, but the DllUnregisterServer entry point was not found.â€
Any help would be much appreciated.
I am trying to delete “wininet.dll†and “shlwapi.dll†from the System32 folder (as they are part of Vista Antivirus 2008 worm/trojan/{four-letter-obscene word!}) and I get “Access denied†returned. I have checked the process list and there are no processes associated with these files running; Also the PC is running in Safe Mode. I have also attempted to unregister the DLL’s and recieved the message “shlwapi.dll was loaded, but the DllUnregisterServer entry point was not found. This file can not be registeredâ€.
Confused….
Hi, I understand the instructions, however, Advanced Antivirus is located in the Control Panel and it says “invalid parameters” when I try to enter that into the cmd. Thanks for your help!
I am experiencing the same problems as Nelboy. I’ve tried unregistering the DLL’s, but my only response was that “shlwapi.dll was loaded, but the DllUnregisterServer entry point was not found.”
Any help would be much appreciated.
got vista antivirus 2008 I hope the instruction you published will help.
I am trying to delete “wininet.dll” and “shlwapi.dll” from the System32 folder (as they are part of Vista Antivirus 2008 worm/trojan/{four-letter-obscene word!}) and I get “Access denied” returned. I have checked the process list and there are no processes associated with these files running; Also the PC is running in Safe Mode. I have also attempted to unregister the DLL’s and recieved the message “shlwapi.dll was loaded, but the DllUnregisterServer entry point was not found. This file can not be registered”.
Confused….
very detailed with pixs. thanks a lot
i failed to delete smss coz of this other various called odinga
Josh,
First of all I suggest you to scan your computer with our free SpyHunter scanner. The scanner won’t remove, but will find the infected files and show their locations. Afterwards, boot your computer in Safe Mode and remove the files manually. Safe Mode should help you to remove .dll file too. Also, spyware is not the same like viruses. In addition to your antivirus software, I advice you to get a reliable antispyware program too, because not all antivirus programs catches spyware, malware and other parasites.
i cannot delete a .dll file, the computer says that access is denied and i cannot find anything in the task manager to stop it from running. i use avg antivirus and everytime i click “heal” my comp restarts and the virus is still there. apperently i have trojan hores generic9.AKBO i need to know how to kill it! thanks
Jopi,
TkBellEXe is a process which belongs to Real Player. It may be that your anti-spyware program is not 100% reliable. If you want to be sure, you can try other free anti-spyware programs or scanners to make sure, that your computer isn’t infected with spyware.
Hello!
The instruction is clear but when I followed it to delete TkBellEXe somewhere
in C:\Program Files\Common Files\ Real\Update_OB … , I was not able to
do it.
It is a Real Player spyware trying to install itself in my computer and being
blocked by SpyBoat.
I hate to be forced to use Real Player because of some audio I downloaded
and could not play with alternatives!
Is there any other way to take TkBellExe out?