Adware/Spyware Remover

[Tony C.]

So my laptop has got a horrible infection of adware/spyware/something. I don't know where it is or where it came from. I tried downloading a Microsoft Adware/Spyware removal tool and it ain't done shit. My Norton subscription has expired and I'm too broke right now to re-up it. Anyone know anything good out there that is free for download? I'm running XP and that's aboot all I know. All help/ideas appreciated!

Try spybot - Search and Destroy 1.6.0 9 (free), it helps with resident memory programs that slow down your system. Run the program and if resident memory programs are found, it will destroy them on reboot, before your system loads up. It worked on XP laptop. It also monitors any program attempting to change your registry. You may also use registrybooster 2( not free), it helps clean up the registry so that changes that are not used or not deleted are cleaned up. It will back up your registry before it does anything, so does the spybot program. I noticed that some adware... can reside in the resident memory and can also mess with your registry. Good luck.

 

[uctofeej]

Would open IE...

Whoa! I think I see your problem. Linux OpenSuse 11.0. It's better, it's free. None of that spyware crap.

 

[Crash Cash]

Would open IE...

Whoa! I think I see your problem. Linux OpenSuse 11.0. It's better, it's free. None of that spyware crap.

Sing it, brutha! Debian "Lenny" fan here, but then I've been using Linux since 0.99pl13. "Here's a nickel, kid. Go get yourself a real OS!"

 

[uctofeej]

Sing it, brutha! Debian "Lenny" fan here, but then I've been using Linux since 0.99pl13. "Here's a nickel, kid. Go get yourself a real OS!"

Just jumped on the wagon at 9.3 myself. Tried other flavors, but the green, gecko-suited penguin works best for me.

 

[thompsonian]

So as seeing that I'm not the sharpest tack in the wall, what the hell is Linux? Is it an operationg system? If so, what about all the crap I have that runs on XP? Will if switch over? Are there any clear advantages to this?

 

[uctofeej]

So as seeing that I'm not the sharpest tack in the wall, what the hell is Linux? Is it an operationg system? If so, what about all the crap I have that runs on XP? Will if switch over? Are there any clear advantages to this?

Yes, Linux is an operating system. It takes a little know-how to install it, but it is well worth the invested time to figure it out in the long run, IMHO. Most programs that run on Windows have equivalents in LInux. What kind of special programs do you have that you'll want to run? Maybe I can point out some similar apps you can look at.

One thing you might want to do to try it is sample what's called a LiveCD. Go to the opensuse site and download it (under #2 choose "LiveCD"). Download it as an ISO image, then burn it to a CD. Once that is done, put it in your computer CD drive and restart the computer. You'll see many strange things happening on your screen, but don't worry, nothing is happening to your stuff. Linux is just loading from the CD.

After it loads, you can play around with any program you want to see how it works. When you're done, just reboot the computer and take out the CD to resume your normal Windows machine.

A few advantages of Linux:

1) It's way more secure than Windows. While viruses do exist for it, it is very difficult to load one on an individual machine because of the way the system is set up.

2) You can add Linux to a hard drive and still have access to Windows on your hard drive, i.e. you'll have a dual-boot computer

3) It's faster than Windows

4) If you find you don't like one type of Linux (say OpenSuse) you can switch to a different style (say, Ubuntu)

5) IT'S FREE -- I haven't paid for anti-virus, MS Office, or any other program for years (that's several hundreds of dollars saved)

6) It has an active community of people -- real users -- who can answer just about any question you have about it. In a lot of ways, I can get help in a Suse forum just like I do here in the FJR forum

7) Linux runs on just about any old computer and can be left on for weeks without a hiccup. Try that with Windows and you'll get a slow, glitchy machine...

Sheesh, you'd think I'm getting paid the way I'm pushing this thing... I'll shut up now.

 

[happyPuppy]

I run Max OSX 10.54 and I use MacScan on it to get rid of cookies. I run XP virtual and use webroot's scanner for it. I work in IT security and the stuff in the wild is not as harmless as many people think. app's "call home" identify open ports and other nasty things. It is very much needed as is a good virus scanner , I am using Macafee as it is free with Comcast

 

[Rob]

So my laptop has got a horrible infection of adware/spyware/something. I don't know where it is or where it came from. I tried downloading a Microsoft Adware/Spyware removal tool and it ain't done shit. My Norton subscription has expired and I'm too broke right now to re-up it. Anyone know anything good out there that is free for download? I'm running XP and that's aboot all I know. All help/ideas appreciated!

Stop going to porn sites. But what I do when I can't stay away is use AD-Aware. It seems to work pretty good and it's free on the internet. I also use AVG antivirus. It is free too and seems to work as well as the Trend Micro I pay for.

 

[Scab]

Strange. My wife's computer is so dicked-up that AGV wouldn't even load. I did get the one DaSpyda mentioned to load.

 

[Rob]

Tell HER to stop going to the Porn sites and that will fix it's self.

 

[thompsonian]

But wasn't the internet created for people to access all kinds of porn? I thought that was it's only use :dntknw:

 

[DaSpyda]

Try spybot - Search and Destroy 1.6.0 9 (free), it helps with resident memory programs that slow down your system. Run the program and if resident memory programs are found, it will destroy them on reboot, before your system loads up. It worked on XP laptop. It also monitors any program attempting to change your registry. You may also use registrybooster 2( not free), it helps clean up the registry so that changes that are not used or not deleted are cleaned up. It will back up your registry before it does anything, so does the spybot program. I noticed that some adware... can reside in the resident memory and can also mess with your registry. Good luck.

Actually, Adaware does this, too. Spybot does not back up the Registry, IIRC.

Some adaware/spyware/viruses/worms can live in your boot sector, which is what works first when your first turn on your computer. It basically tells the computer how to start operating.

The Abexo Registry Tool also does backup. restore, and cleaning...and it's free.

 

[worldbound4now]

I regularly keep AVG Internet Security Suite running. When I notice issues or have been looking at questionable sites (porn, file sharing, etc) I'll run Glary Utilities, Spybot S&D, and AdAware to clean things up. All available at downloads.com. This way my motorcycle and family pictures/video stay "safe". I also backup all my files to an external hard disk drive and keep the external HDD turned off except when I am backing up files or restoring if needed. An extra piece of security for under $100.

 

[DaSpyda]

I also backup all my files to an external hard disk drive and keep the external HDD turned off except when I am backing up files or restoring if needed. An extra piece of security for under $100.

Excellent advice.

 

[03HiYoSilver]

Here is one of the best new Firewalls with Host File/Keylogger protection:

https://blog.scotsnewsletter.com/

https://blog.scotsnewsletter.com/2008/03/24...8-online-armor/ (Review)

If you keep Tight Settings, it is very unlikely you will be hit with Malware/Troajans, etc

Make sure your ActiveX, JavaScripting IS OFF Except for your Friendly Sites.

In Addition, make sure Your System is Updated with at least the O.S. Critical Patches that are geared to Thwart Exploits actively nested on Nefarious Websites.

 

[phantom]

Would open IE...

Whoa! I think I see your problem. Linux OpenSuse 11.0. It's better, it's free. None of that spyware crap.

Okay off topic from OP problem but, which is the best Linux system to use. I'm fed up with Windows XP and all their f'n updates and problems.

 

[whoomba]

I recently got a virus/malware that turned off automatic updates of windows and norton besides all the popups and crap it gave me. Norton didn't find it, Adaware didn't find it, finally I stumbled on to a scan tool on the Microsoft site that found it and some other stuff that shouldn't be there and took care of it. I am ambivalent toward Microsoft the this tool impressed me.

 

[uctofeej]

Would open IE...

Whoa! I think I see your problem. Linux OpenSuse 11.0. It's better, it's free. None of that spyware crap.

Okay off topic from OP problem but, which is the best Linux system to use. I'm fed up with Windows XP and all their f'n updates and problems.

I'd recommend you go to your local bookstore and visit the magazine rack. Most have Linux magazines in the computer/technology section that come with a DVD full version of one type or another.

For a beginner, I'd recommend something like Ubuntu or Suse. Both can be purchased off the magazine rack for $15 and come with decent installation instructions in the mag. Sometimes, they have the LiveCDs (mentioned above). Of course, if you're brave, you can always download the latest *stable* version and skip the magazine.

Another cool thing about Linux is that if you're not satisfied with the one you've got, you can always change it. It takes 1-2 hours to go through the entire process, but that's a small price to pay to find one that you really like. Just remember to create a separate partition for your home and your root. That way, you can change the Linux OS like underwear and not overwrite your personal files every time (though you should always back those up, regardless).

Good luck with it.

 

[sonicspeed]

i like my system best

let the company IT man take care of all the problems at work and at home

 

[ShawnKing]

Yes, Linux is an operating system. It takes a little know-how to install it

Yes - *if* you're already a computer geek. Otherwise it can be a confusing PITA.