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I think someone in my family installed some surveillance product on my pc.Maybe it's Spector Pro,or something simular.I'm not sure.How can I check this?And how can I remove it??
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how to remove surveillance
#2
LincolnSpector 
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Posted 25 September 2007 - 08:10 AM
First, let me say that despite the name, I'm in no way connected with Spector Software.
If you have an administrator-level account, you should be able to uninstall it (although I'm not entirely sure of that; it may only be uninstallable from the administrator account that installed it). If you don't have an administrator-level account, talk to the family member who does. Someone has to.
While my gut reaction to such programs is extremely negative, I do believe that parents have a right to monitor their children's PC use, and such programs make this easy. In fact, I've put Spector Pro on my daughter's PC.
OTOH, I also believe that parents must be open and honest about doing this. That way, it becomes part of the conversation about what is and is not appropriate computer use.
And, of course, I don't approve of spying on another adult.
Lincoln Spector
If you have an administrator-level account, you should be able to uninstall it (although I'm not entirely sure of that; it may only be uninstallable from the administrator account that installed it). If you don't have an administrator-level account, talk to the family member who does. Someone has to.
While my gut reaction to such programs is extremely negative, I do believe that parents have a right to monitor their children's PC use, and such programs make this easy. In fact, I've put Spector Pro on my daughter's PC.
OTOH, I also believe that parents must be open and honest about doing this. That way, it becomes part of the conversation about what is and is not appropriate computer use.
And, of course, I don't approve of spying on another adult.
Lincoln Spector
#3
mphenterprises
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Posted 25 September 2007 - 08:27 AM
Hi Capricorn. Here is some more information for you. If you suspect that there is unauthorized applications on your computer, more than likely, this application may not appear in the Add/Remove utility of Windows. If Spector Pro is on your computer, it may be in what the vendor calls Stealth Mode. According to SpectorSoft's website:
"10. But, if I tell them, I'm afraid they will try to circumvent the software.
That is why Spector Pro can be installed in Stealth Mode.
When installed in Stealth Mode, Spector Pro does not show up as an icon, does not appear in the Windows system tray, does not appear in Windows Programs, does not show up in the Windows task list, cannot be uninstalled without the Spector Pro password which YOU specify, and Spector Pro does not slow down the operation of the computer it is recording."
This is the case with many advanced spying applications. Addidtionally, this application may not be able to be removed in Safe Mode either. So, instead of trying to go around the application, I would advise you to first ask whoever you feel may have put that application on your computer. If you are under 18, sorry, your parents have the right to do pretty much whatever they feel is necessary to protect you. If you are over 18, this type of "spying" may be a bit overkill but again, your parents are only looking out for your best interests.
Either way, you deserve to be told what is installed on your computer.
"10. But, if I tell them, I'm afraid they will try to circumvent the software.
That is why Spector Pro can be installed in Stealth Mode.
When installed in Stealth Mode, Spector Pro does not show up as an icon, does not appear in the Windows system tray, does not appear in Windows Programs, does not show up in the Windows task list, cannot be uninstalled without the Spector Pro password which YOU specify, and Spector Pro does not slow down the operation of the computer it is recording."
This is the case with many advanced spying applications. Addidtionally, this application may not be able to be removed in Safe Mode either. So, instead of trying to go around the application, I would advise you to first ask whoever you feel may have put that application on your computer. If you are under 18, sorry, your parents have the right to do pretty much whatever they feel is necessary to protect you. If you are over 18, this type of "spying" may be a bit overkill but again, your parents are only looking out for your best interests.
Either way, you deserve to be told what is installed on your computer.
#4
capricorn
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Posted 26 September 2007 - 03:53 AM
I'm way over 18....
I know,that person should've told me,but the bottom line is,I don't want this thing on my computer,and didn't find a way how to be sure it's on it and if it is how to remove it.
I know,that person should've told me,but the bottom line is,I don't want this thing on my computer,and didn't find a way how to be sure it's on it and if it is how to remove it.
#5
mphenterprises
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Posted 26 September 2007 - 04:12 AM
Okay, let's bottom line this situation. Since you are over 18 and if:
- you purchased the computer...
- the individual who installed this software is not a legal guardian or parent...
...then there should be no reason why anything should be installed on your computer without your permission. That being said, if it is as complex as I believe, you will not be able to remove it by normal means. I still say you should talk to the person who installed this application and find out what needs to be done to remove the application. If you either cannot or will not talk to this individual, then your only option, in my opinion, to remove this application is to do a reinstall of Windows.
- you purchased the computer...
- the individual who installed this software is not a legal guardian or parent...
...then there should be no reason why anything should be installed on your computer without your permission. That being said, if it is as complex as I believe, you will not be able to remove it by normal means. I still say you should talk to the person who installed this application and find out what needs to be done to remove the application. If you either cannot or will not talk to this individual, then your only option, in my opinion, to remove this application is to do a reinstall of Windows.
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