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Pheidipides
2016-03-30, 22:45
Today I downloaded the free version of Spybot, hoping it could delete tracking cookies. After examining the Help files, I decided it wasn’t for me so I uninstalled it in the usual way via Control_Panel|Programs_and_Features. However, every time I switch on the computer, Spybot tries to download and re-install itself.
A search in File_Explorer for “spybot” revealed several items left behind, including some .exe files in \Program Files (x86). I am afraid to delete them, in case that might render my system un-loadable (as happened to me once before, under Windows 95).
How can I rid myself of this persistent behaviour?
Dialogue-box:
Program name: Post-Windows 10 Upgrade re-installer for Spybot Search & Destroy
Program location: “C:\Program Files\Common Files\AV\Spybot – Search and Destroy\Upgrade.Log”
(Upgrade.Log attached)
Windows 10 Pro x64 (recently upgraded from Windows 7 Ultimate); 6 GB RAM. AV = Kaspersky Anti-Virus.

Zenobia
2016-04-01, 21:33
That sounds like it might be the Post Windows 10 Spybot-install,so you might want to try following these instructions. :)
https://www.safer-networking.org/faq/prompt-post-windows-10-spybot-install/

Those directions do involve deleting a folder. If you would like to do that, then you could create a restore point in case of any mishaps:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/create-a-system-restore-point

So,you'd open the drive letter C:\,if that is your main drive letter. This website shows a screenshot of where you should see it in file explorer:
http://cdn3.tekrevue.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/windows-10-file-explorer-quick-access.png
It's over to the side,and listed as Local Disk (C:\)

Once that's open, you'd then open Program Files.
Make sure you get the right one,open just plain Program Files,and not Program Files (x86).

Then open Common Files.

Locate the AV folder,and open it.

Then look in the AV folder for a folder called Spybot – Search and Destroy. Delete that whole folder. That should do it,I think.You can keep the folder in the recycling bin for a little while, until you see it is no longer needed,or in case of any mishaps. :)

Pheidipides
2016-04-02, 23:30
Thank you, Zenobia. All traces are now removed without any after-effects.

Zenobia
2016-04-03, 02:28
You're welcome. :)