WARNING: The following section includes step-by-step information on how to edit the Windows Registry, a large database containing system and program settings that are essential to how the OS (operating system) operates. Follow Registry-editing instructions to the letter and be sure to make a backup of your Registry before you begin. (Registry errors can render your computer inoperable if you don't have a backup.) This procedure differs depending on the OS you use. For more information on backing up and editing the Registry, see these articles: "Protect Yourself" and "Register Here."

How To Get Rid of AboutBlank

This is a very difficult program to eliminate. All files and active processes must be deleted for your system to be completely free of this pest, and one of the DLL files it installs is hidden and will regenerate the executable if you don't delete it. One of the best tools for cleaning your system is CWShredder, a free utility.

Download the tool from www.intermute.com/products/cwshredder.html. Double-click the CWShredder icon to launch the program.

Click the Fix button. If you have any open Internet Explorer or Windows Media player windows, the program will tell you it needs to close them. Click OK.

CWShredder will scan for and clean AboutBlank and any other variant of CoolWebSearch that it finds.

Another good app for removing AboutBlank is Computer Associates' Pest Patrol ($39.95; www.pestpatrol.com). This comprehensive commercial product removes most, if not all, of the spyware and adware you're likely to encounter. For advanced users, CA also offers manual removal instructions. However, because of the instructions' complexity and length, we'll refer you to CA's link at www.pestpatrol.com/pestinfo/c/cws_aboutblank
.asp#Detection%20and%20Removal