[Hostage]

I suggested that the neighbor download and run malware bytes but I am not sure if that will be sufficient.

[dinodino]

That will not be sufficient. Remove the hard drive, trash it, and install a new one with a fresh Windows install.

[Organic Panic]

Start from scratch. Also check your state laws if laws have been broken. you can check which services are running in the back ground.

Me being me, I would troll the ex like crazy though. Tape up the mic and camera first

[jsanders2001]

I’m assuming you mean a software keylogger since its a laptop / notebook. Many of the antivirus programs will flush them out. Most of them send logs remotely to another computer via email so disconnect the computer from the Internet first. I’ve installed them many times. They’re pretty easy to remove. Many can simply be removed using the Uninstall function. You just have to find the name of the program or you can use a keylogger detection program like the following:

http://download.cnet.com/Keylogger-Detector/3000-2162_4-75744701.html
http://www.blazingtools.com/antispy.html

[FredZarguna]

1. Get the Windows® serial number off the the laptop.
2. Request new installation media from the manufacturer.
3. While you're waiting for that, on another computer, download a System Rescue CD here:http://sourceforge.net/projects/systemrescuecd/
4. Write that rescue "CD" onto a USB stick in bootable form.
5. Shutdown the laptop.
6. Boot the USB stick from the BIOS menu, and use the rescue CD to format the hard-drive. [You do NOT need to trash the HD as some here are recommending.]
7. When the install media arrives. Reinstall Windows®
8. Yes, it it highly likely that your WiFi password is compromised. Change from another computer, but only after you've reformatted the laptop, and do not log onto the network until Windows® is reinstalled.

[Vermont Lt]

Reinstall the OS and format the drive. Then put a bag of dog shit on his steps, light it on fire, and ring his doorbell.

[bigbob]

If the estranged parent is trying to be sneaky, they’re doing it wrong. My guess is its just a mind game, else why tell the kid about it? Better safe than sorry, however.

[Scrambler Bob]

M4L Keylogger

[cicero2k]

First thing I do on a new machine is create rescue disks. Put them away in a zip lock. My HP needs four disks.

When the inevitable clown gets his malware on board telling me to purchase some malware prevention software every 30 seconds, and prevents the system restore point to an earlier time, and prevents branded malware programs; I just pull out the rescue disks and go for it. Then restore music and photos.

The whole thing takes hours. I would love to destroy the property and the people who put this stuff out there, causing expense of millions of dollars of resources to avert damage.

[BereanBrain]

Get Rid of Windows. It’s spyware central. Has more holes than a sieve. If I wanted to own someone with a windows machine, i could even do it remotely by sending them an email they opened, or 1000 other hacks.

Try a friendly linux distro.

[ChinaGotTheGoodsOnClinton]

I agree with posters saying re-install the operation system.

[LoneStar42]

DO NOT DESTROY THE DRIVE, should you replace. It is the evidence of any willful tampering.

1 Image the drive (I.e., Ghost)
2 Install/recover original factory install. It will not include software added after the factory. It is safe.
3 Assess your access to folks with some forensic skills, especially virtual machines. They can load the image to evaluate what *might* have been installed.

Most importantly, document every step thoroughly. Actions such as an attempt as spying are prosecutable. All assistance in the evaluation must meet legal requirements. Enlist the aid of your friend’s attorney and their contacts with law enforcement.

Make every step clean and documented. When complete, turn everything over to the lawyer. Do not discuss with anyone not involved swith the process.

Your actions will be picked over to find errors.

Good luck.

[mountainbunny]

First of all, never trust anything on the machine. No way to be sure 100%.

Secondly, he’s nearly certainly breaking eavesdropping laws.

I’d turn him and the machines in to the police. I’d also arm myself to the teeth because crazy, vindictive people are crazy and vindictive.