Spyware.DesktopSpy - Removal

The following instructions pertain to all Symantec antivirus products that support Security Risk detection.

1. Update the definitions.
2. Uninstall Spyware.DesktopSpy using the uninstall Programs utility.
3. Run a full system scan and delete all the files detected as Spyware.DesktopSpy.
4. Delete the value that was added to the registry.
   

For specific details on each of these steps, read the following instructions.

1. To update the definitions
To obtain the most recent definitions, start your Symantec program and run LiveUpdate.

2. To uninstall the Spyware

1. Click Start > Programs > Personal Desktop Spy > Uninstall.
2. Click the Uninstall button and follow any prompts.

3. To scan for and delete the files

1. Start your Symantec antivirus program, and then run a full system scan.
2. If any files are detected as Spyware.DesktopSpy, click Delete.
   
   

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   Notes:

• If your Symantec antivirus product reports that it cannot delete a detected file, write down the path and file name. Then use Windows Explorer to locate and delete the file.
• If you uninstalled the program as described in the previous section, all the files may have been removed, and thus none of them will be detected.

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4. To delete the value from the registry

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WARNING: Symantec strongly recommends that you back up the registry before making any changes to it. Incorrect changes to the registry can result in permanent data loss or corrupted files. Modify the specified keys only. Read the document, "How to make a backup of the Windows registry," for instructions.

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Note: This is done to make sure that all the keys are removed. They may not be there if the uninstaller removed them.

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1. Click Start, and then click Run. (The Run dialog box appears.)
   
   
2. Type regedit
   
   Then click OK. (The Registry Editor opens.)
   
   
3. Navigate to the key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
   
   
4. In the right pane, delete the value:
   
   "DesktopSpy"="%System%DSA\dsa.exe"
   
   
5. Delete the following key:
   
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\KMiNT21\PersonalDesktopSpy
   
   
6. Exit the Registry Editor.

Technical Details