HP Pavilion a6000 Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide - Page 19

Internet Access (continued) Symptom My Internet browser home page changed to something I did not want. Unwanted pop-up advertisements display on my computer when connected to the Internet. Possible solution You may have spyware on your computer. Spyware is software that usually runs silently in the background on your computer, collecting and sending information about you and your use of the computer to another person or system on the Internet. You can find and remove spyware from your computer by using any one of a number of software programs available for this purpose, including Windows Defender. To scan for spyware using Windows Defender: 1 Click the Windows Start Button, All Programs, then click Windows Defender. 2 Click Scan. Many of the popular virus protection programs also have some tools that scan for and remove spyware from your computer. To avoid getting spyware on your computer: Do not install programs if you are not sure they come from reputable companies. Check the company's Web site carefully for information about what is included with the program. Do not automatically click Yes when a download window asks if it is OK to install a program on your computer. Read the message in the window and make sure it is a software program that you really want. This is typically caused by adware or advertising-supported software. You can configure your Web browser to block pop-ups (available in Internet Explorer by clicking Tools and then Pop-up Blocker). To remove adware from your computer, use the antispyware/adware program included on your computer (select models only) or any number of available software programs that remove adware programs. Note that many of the popular antivirus programs have tools that scan for and remove adware from your computer. Troubleshooting Computer Problems 15