Computer Support recommends that you download and install SpywareBlaster as PART of a spyware prevention process. SpywareBlaster helps prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, and other potentially unwanted software. It will also block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and restrict the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer as well.

SpywareBlaster doesn't remove spyware programs. For that, you should install and configure Spybot-Search & Destroy. If you don't have SpyBot-S&D installed, you should follow the steps from How To Install and Configure SpyBot-Search & Destroy before installing SpywareBlaster.

These steps are written for computers with Windows XP Professional.

NOTE: On Jan 1, 2006 Javacool Software released an updated version of SpywareBlaster. These steps will install SpywareBlaster version 3.5.1. See How To Install Update to SpywareBlaster for steps on updating older SpywareBlaster versions to the latest version.

Download the Software

To download the SpywareBlaster installer exe, perform these steps.

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Enter the following address or click this link to download the software.
   > Download SpywareBlaster 4.0 from download.com
   > Download SpywareBlaster 4.0 through the Coral Distribution Network
   
   NOTE: If the above links fails, go directly to http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html and select one of the other download sites. You will need to follow that sites instructions to download.
   
   
3. When you click one of the above links, you should be prompted to click Save. Then click the Desktop button. (This will copy the Installer to the desktop). Click Save.
   Note: This file is approximately 2.44 MB in size.
4. If a Download Complete window appears, click Close. Exit Internet Explorer.
   

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1. Close all running programs. (ex: Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.).
2. From the desktop, double-click on the "spywareblastersetup351.exe" file.
3. If you are asked "Do you want to run this file?", click Run.
   
4. Click Next on the Welcome Screen.
5. Click "I accept the agreement" and then click Next.
6. Click Next again at the Information (Read Me) screen.
7. Click Next again to install the program in its default location.
8. Check "Place a shortcut to SpywareBlaster on the desktop" and click Next.
   
9. Click Install.
10. When installation is completed, click Finish. SpywareBlaster will then launch automatically.

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The first time that SpywareBlaster is run, a Wizard will run to help you with the configure process.

1. In the Enabling Protection window, click Next.
2. In the Keeping Up-to-Date window, click Next.
3. In the Thank you screen window, click Finish.
4. At the bottom of the screen under Quick Tasks, click Enable All Protection.
5. Click the Download Latest Protection Updates link. Click Check for Updates.
6. Click the Updates button on the left and then click Check for Updates at the bottom.
   
   NOTE: If it finds updates, click Enable All Protection link.
   
   NOTE: Although SpywareBlaster has an AutoUpdate option, it requires a subscription. You will need to manually check for new updates to the program. On this first install, if updates are available, they will be downloaded and installed. Click the Back button if needed.
   
   NOTE: SpywareBlaster is now ready to protect the computer. Nothing more needs to be done. Please read on for additional features and how to perform update checks.
   

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SpywareBlaster's "System Snapshot" takes a snapshot of your computer in its clean state. You can then use System Snapshot later to revert changes made by spyware and browser hijackers. System Snapshot works like Windows XP's System Restore. These settings are saved in a database stored in your SpywareBlaster directory. If in the future things start acting strange, possibly due to Spyware/Hijackers, you can restore from this backup.

1. Start SpywareBlaster by double clicking the SpywareBlaster shortcut on the desktop.
   You may also click Start, then All Programs, then SpywareBlaster and then SpywareBlaster.
   
2. Click on the System Snapshot button on the left.
3. Select the radio button labeled Create new System Snapshot and click the Go button.
4. Enter "Snapshot" as the name for the snapshot. Leave the "Append date + time to end of snapshot name" checkbox is checked.
5. Click the Create Snapshot button to continue.
6. SpywareBlaster will then save settings from your computer in a database on your computer. When it is done, click the Finish button.
   
   NOTE: To restore from a backup, choose the System Snapshot button. Then select the radio button for Restore System to Saved Snapshot Point and click the Go button. You will then see a list of saved snapshots. Click once on a snapshot to select it and then click the Next button. If there were any changes from your current settings to the ones saved in the snapshot, it will notify you and give you the option to restore them. Otherwise it will tell you there was no difference in your current settings to the ones in the snapshot.
   
   
7. Exit SpywareBlaster.

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Configuring a SpywareBlaster Reminder

NOTE: These steps will remind you update SpywareBlaster on a monthly basis. This is optional - but would be a good practice. You need to use the Windows Add Scheduled Task wizard to open SpywareBlaster. Once it is open, you can check for updates.

1. Click Start, then All Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools and then Scheduled Tasks.
2. Double-click the Add Scheduled Task icon. Click Next.
3. Wait while Windows builds a list of available programs. Scroll down in the list of programs.
   
   NOTE: You will see both "SpywareBlaster" and "SpywareBlaster AutoUpdate Configuration" in the list. Do not choose the SpywareBlaster AutoUpdate Configuration. This will only work if you have purchased a subscription to SpywareBlaster
   
   
4. Select SpywareBlaster and click Next.
5. You may leave the name of the task as SpywareBlaster.
6. Select the Monthly radio button. Click Next.
7. Edit the Start time to a time of your choice.
   
8. Select the Day radio button. Click Next.
9. KEY STEP FOR USERS WHOSE MACHINES ARE IN A "DOMAIN":
   In the Enter the user name field, enter your Domain followed by a backslash and your username.
   Ex: AG\vcv1
   If your computer is NOT in a "Domain", you should enter whatever username you used to login to the computer.
   
10. Enter your password twice. Click Next. Click Finish.
11. To test if it will run at this time, in the Scheduled Tasks control panel, Right Click on the SpywareBlaster task and choose Run.
12. SpywareBlaster should open. If it does, you may exit SpywareBlaster.
    

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SpywareBlaster Monthly Tasks

SpywareBlaster should be kept up-to-date for maximum benefit. Check for updates and apply them on at least a monthly basis. You should also create System Snapshot at the same time. If you followed the steps in the preceding section to have SpywareBlaster open automatically as a reminder, you should be ready to go.

1. SpywareBlaster should open. If not, start SpywareBlaster by double clicking the SpywareBlaster shortcut on the desktop or click Start, then All Programs, then SpywareBlaster and then SpywareBlaster.
2. At the bottom of the screen under Quick Tasks, click Download Latest Protection Updates.
3. Click the Check for Updates button.
   
4. If updates are available, they will be downloaded and installed.
5. Click the Protection button on the left.
6. At the bottom of the screen under Quick Tasks, click Enable All Protection.
7. Click on the System Snapshot button on the left.
8. Select the radio button labeled Create new System Snapshot and press the Go button.
9. Enter "Monthname " as the name for the snapshot. Ex: April. Leave the "Append date + time to end of snapshot name" checkbox is checked.
10. Click the Create Snapshot button to continue.
11. When it completes, click the Finish button.
12. That's it. Exit SpywareBlaster.

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