[OneTimeLurker]

Anybody have an opinion as to the best ad ware spy ware program. I use Ad Ware and Webroot and can't get the job done. Have a couple programs I can't get rid of.

[fooman]

try cws shredder. it has bailed me out

[goldstategop]

Download Spybot Search & Destroy. And download Spyblaster to keep the pests off your hard drive for good. They're both free.

[snooker]

I use adware and spybot. Then Norton and AVG for viruses. Scan with all the above on max and use the ad prevent settings when done. Often you can dump a lot of the slow down by erasing all cookies.

If you haven't already switch to mozilla or firefox for a better browser.

Linux is the final solution.

[silent_jonny]

What's worked for me is to reinstall Windows ME(or whatever you use). It takes about an hour, but afterwards my hard drive is squeaky clean.

[tiki]

I use spy sweeper

[sigarms]

I am a computer repair technician. I do this stuff all day long. Here is my advice. (Assuming you are running Windows XP).

1) Download and install Ad-Aware, Spybot, and Spy Sweeper. Update all 3 programs to the latest definitions.

2) Turn off System Restore.

3) Boot into Safe Mode.

4) Run a full system scan with all 3 of these programs.

5) Run the program "regedit" and delete any values from the Run key that look suspicious.

6) Open the Add/Remove Control Panel and remove any programs that look suspicious.

7) Reboot the computer back into normal mode.

8) Connect to the internet and download all updates from www.windowsupdate.com. After you download the updates, you'll have to reboot and keep going back to the site until no more updates are available. Especially important is to make sure that you get Service Pack 2.

9) Download and install Mozilla Firefox from www.mozilla.org.

Personally, I don't run Windows. I'm an avid linux users--I like to have control of my operating system.

[John Lenin]

Anybody have an opinion as to the best ad ware spy ware program. I use Ad Ware and Webroot and can't get the job done.

My opinion is to download Mandrake Linux 10.1, I have been using it for about 4 days and it's the first Linux release I would recommend. It's awesome and it's Free !

[Tax Government]

AdAware and SpyBot Search and Destroy are a good combination.

Something else that may increase speed greatly on XP is disabling the System Restore function. I suggest this only to people who are comfortable with their machine, and who will take responsibility for not being able to restore the system to some prior state. (I have never, ever used this feature, and feel very comfortable ditching it entirely.)

Why is System Restore a problem? It creates a (possibly VERY large) undefraggable file. To turn the feature off go to Programs / Control Panel / System / System Restore.

You may just want to turn System Restore off from time to time and defrag a couple times, then turn it back on.

[philetus]

Spybot
Spyware Blaster
Spyware Guard
The last two from Javacool software.
All are free and good.
Run all three and you won't get spyware.

[Gamecock]

As a last resort try "Hijack This" (freeware) I'm on my way out the door, If you can't find it ping me and I'll send you the link when I get home.

[R. Scott]

I use Ad Aware, Norton antivirus and Spybot.
I had the same problem with this loaner HP I’m using. When I first ran Norton Antivirus I cleared over 1,200 infected files. Ad Aware and Spybot took care of a lot more, but after a day or so everything was back to what it was – hijacked home page, popups, and attempts to dial.
I finally had to go into safe mode as the administrator and run all three programs again. One time didn’t do it, it took about a week doing this every day.
Now I am running pretty much clear, but there is still something trying (unsuccessfully) to run. I'll have to go into the registry to find it but that is a bit more than I care to do now.

[Twinkie]

We have been using Panda, and so far it's doing the job
real well. (Windows)

[GOPJ]

I use adaware, spysweeper, winpatrol, spyware doctor, zone alarm, secretmaker, etc., on this computer and a different combination on the other computer. I use Norton AntiVirus for the serious stuff on both computers. Of the two computers in the house - one for visiting grandchildren and one for us, only one is working. The new Dell is sitting useless in the other room and I'm at the granddaughter's desk on her 4 year old Gateway. Hard drives on both computers have been wiped clean and reinstalled within the past two months. I'm amazed people still use the internet... Your frustration is shared.

[Robert Drobot]

www.spyAssassin.com

Kills 'em dead. My second defense is Zone Alarm Suite. Both of these programs are my gatekeepers 24/7, and they don't prisoners.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Search on FR for spyware threads. There are many. On each you'll find one post that will have many links to some great programs.

For starters, download the new AdAware SE and update it. It does a very good job. Next, look for and download SpyWare Guard. It runs a small agent in the background at startup and keeps the filth from being installed in the first place. It also has an update feature as new spywarez get released.
I use those 2 and my PC has been very clean for a long time.

"Filthy nasty little spywarezes,
trying to hurt the Precious.
But we won't lets them
No we won't."