How to Remove Malware: A Step by Step Guide

Malware is an everyday occurrence these days making the ability to remove it a must for anyone working with end users on workstations. I've outlined the steps I follow when combating these threats, comment to let us know additional steps you follow.

1. Open Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs (Programs & Features on Windows 7) remove any unknown or possibly harmful applications. I usually remove any unused apps as well in this step.
2. Empty Recycle Bin, Temporary Internet Files, Temporary Files for all users. If you do not have a 3rd party software you use to complete this task you can use disk cleanup (Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Cleanup)
3. Update
   1. Anti-Virus Software
   2. Windows Operating System (make sure you have the latest malicious software removal tool)
   3. Adobe Reader and Flash
   4. Java
   5. Malware removal tools including Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Spybot S&D
4. Run MSConfig.exe to verify that no unwanted startup items are set to run
5. Run full system scans with Antivirus software and any Malware removal tools you have, make sure you reboot when requested to remove any items found
6. It may be necessary to reset Internet Explorer to default since this is such a week link in security.
   1. To reset, do so through control panel opposed to opening up IE.
   2. Open control panel -> Internet Options -> Advanced Tab -> Click the Reset button