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You are here: Running Sweeps > Deleting Spyware Permanently


Deleting Spyware Permanently

When you run a sweep and remove spyware, Spy Sweeper does not permanently delete the spyware. The remove and quarantine process copies the spyware traces to a Quarantine folder. Spy Sweeper first encrypts each trace, removes it from its original location (so it will no longer run), then copies it to the Quarantine folder.

If you find that a program you need will not work properly after removing an associated spyware program, you can restore the spyware program. For more information, see Restoring Spyware.

If you find that all of your programs run properly after removing spyware, you can permanently delete the spyware. This deletes the spyware from the Quarantine folder, and you will not be able to restore the spyware.

If you reinstall the program or visit a web site that has the same spyware, it could be installed again. If you want to make sure the same spyware does remain on your computer, use the Always Remove list. For more information, see Setting Up Spyware to Always Remove.

Step Introduction icon To permanently delete spyware:

  1. Start Spy Sweeper, if it is not already running, and display the main window.
  2. In the icon panel, click Quarantined.
    • For information about the Spy Sweeper window, see Understanding the Spy Sweeper Window.
    • The Quarantined panel displays with a list of the spyware that you have quarantined, but have not permanently deleted.
  3. Select each spyware program that you want to permanently delete.
    • A check mark next to the spyware shows that it is selected and will be restored.
    • To see the date you removed and quarantined the program and its current location, click the plus sign (+) next to the spyware name.
  4. To learn more about any spyware listed, select it and click More Details.
  5. Note icon Note: You must be connected to the Internet to see the additional information.

    • Spy Sweeper opens your Internet browser, goes to the Webroot web site, and displays information about the selected spyware. This information can help you decide if you want to permanently delete the spyware.
  6. Click Delete Selected.
    • Spy Sweeper deletes the selected spyware and displays information about the deletion in the Information box at the bottom of the window.

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