Now that you have cleaned your system of unwanted files and programs, you are ready to start your initial spyware scans. Before you attempt to remove spyware from your computer, you need to identify the level of infection. Most people are infected with spyware, but they are generally tracking cookies that can be removed fairly easy. If you have a more serious infection, there are signs that you need to identify. Popups or other erratic behavior could indicate a more serious infection.

Follow up:

Whether you want to run a general scan to see what is on your computer, or you have a serious infection, you should perform a backup. A backup would include important files that you have on your computer. To take it one step further, you could create an image of your computer and save it on a disk or external hard drive.

Now that you have a backup, you can proceed with the installation of anti-spyware programs. Here is a list of anti-spyware programs that are known to work.

Spybot
Adaware
SUPERAntiSpyware
Windows Defender
Trend Micro's Free Online Scanner

If your computer has enough system resources, then you should install more than one program. Follow the steps for the install and run the scans. After your scans are complete, make note of what you are deleting. Many programs that are downloaded and installed on your computer come with adware. Deleting them could cause unseen results with the program associated with it.

These scans should find and delete most of the infections on your computer. If they do, then congratulations! If not, then a more in depth removal procedure is needed.