How to remove spyware/adware

[phalkon30]

What is spyware? There are many deffinitions as to what spyware actually is, I think this site sums it up pretty well, basicly, spyware is intrusive, nasty, and can really slow a system down
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How can I tell if my system is infected with spyware or adware? There are quite a few programs out there that will detect spyware and adware, the 2 you will hear about the most, are (Spybot S&D) and (AdAware), these two programs have the best detection rates, and are updated the most frequently
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Which program should I use, Spybot S&D, or AdAware? I have used both quite a bit, and have used both since some of their first releases, Spybot deffinately gets my vote for this one, but that doesn't mean AdAware is useless. Here are some program highlights

Spybot S&D This program does much more than just remove spyware, it is really a swiss army knife of sorts. Besides an awesome detection system for spyware, it can:
-Check for and fix inconsistencies in the registry
-Remove usage tracks
-Patch some windows security holes
-Remove trojans
-Make your browser imune to most browser plugins (they can never be installed, and are blocked instantly)
-Host file editor
-Edit what programs start with windows
-View advanced things in windows like BHO's, Activex Controlers, and Winsock LSPs
-Built in spyware database with links to the privacy policy of each, along with what each spyware component does
-Expert and noobie mode, so anybody can use it
-Great backup support (if you remove something you want, it can be restored easily)
-Much faster than AdAware
-Many more great features

AdAware I still use AdAware, on rare occasions spybot will miss a file, that only AdAware will detect. If you haven't checked out the latest version of AdAware, I suggest you do, its a huge improvement over past versions (you can now update WITHIN AdAware). Other than getting a few things spybot won't, Adware has one nice feature, and yes, it it's not free.

With AdAware 6 Proffessional, you can:
-Lock down sensitive areas in your memory and registry to keep them from being compromised!
-Real-time blocking of browser hijack attempts and drive by downloads!
-Real-time blocking of forced installations and activeX!
-Includes a powerful popup-stopper
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BEFORE STARTING A SCAN, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL OF THE LATEST UPDATES
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I did a scan with Spybot, what do I do next? You will see 3 possible colors in the spybot results:
-Red - Spyware, Adware, harmful cookie (not food), Trojan, or any other HARMFUL bit of code (SAFE TO REMOVE)
-Blue - A registry inconsistency, if you don't know what it does, or are not having problems DO NOT DELETE THESE, you can do harm to your computer
-Yellow - Usage tracks, fully SAFE TO REMOVE, you can ignore them if you want (usage tracks are lists, like recently opened word documents that you see when you click File in Word)
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I removed something I did not want to, now a program will not function or windows is giving me errors, what do I do? While this does not allways happen, some programs depend on spyware, if they see you have removed it, they will cease to function until you put these files back (yuck!)

In Spybot, simply hit the Recovery button, this will bring up a list of things you have removed. Place a check by what you want to restore, and click "recover selected products"

In AdAware, click "Open quarantine-list" and restore what you need
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How do I PREVENT my computer from getting MORE SPYWARE? There are many ways to help prevent getting more spyware
- In spybot, go to the imunize button, and install the browser helper
- READ the User Agreements before you install. Most spyware can be opted out of, or other versions can be found without spyware
- Use a program that blocks the installation of spyware (like adaware pro)
- When installing P2P software, make sure to get a clean, or "lite" version (Kazaa lite) (Clean Imesh by DrDamn) (Clean Grokster)
- USE YOUR HEAD, if something doesn't look right, or sounds too good to be true then it most likely is!

[Rahwgwar]

Good one, Phalkon..........ZP can and should make another sticky out of this one......after getting a few suggestions and some editing, it should be fully ready to go...........

I'm testing a program right now and I'll let you know if it's any good.

[Rahwgwar]

Did Spyblaster development cease for XP? I can't find any information on it for this OS, but can for others?

Phalkon...........I dunno if you want to get into paid and shareware spyware removal programs and such, but if you do, you are missing quite a lot........BUT it's up to you how you want to deal with it

-Peace

[CCSDUDE]

I've stuck both of your newest FAQ threads....good job dude!

For people like "us" it seems kinda small and the "I knew that" shit comes into play.

But for newbies and such who are lost and confuzzled over why their system sucks ass when it's brandnew after they installed something like KMD...it's a godsent. : )

Also if you wish I can close all your FAQ threads so no one can muck them up. You can PM me when ever you wanna update so it all stays slick and clean without any double talk from others that may confuse newbies.

[Krell]

We are not trying to be the definitive source for everything, just some pages to answer the most common questions. Phalkon is right on target, where's everyones elses contributions?

[Rahwgwar]

SpyBlocker was a dud..........way too buggy and unreliable.......I used the latest freeware version..........go ahead and delete this thread

[reg]

. . . thank you . . . : )

[mirtillotown]

Thank you for all info .... :playboy

[phalkon30]

CCS, I'd like to leave it open, that way if there are any suggestions for updates to it, or if somebody has a question about something I said, I can answer it here

Rahwgwar, if you find something better, great, but I doubt I'll change this thread, Spybot and AdAware are suggested the most on this bbs, and most other sites, so I'd like to keep things simple, not too many options, nothing to pay for, and just enough to be dangerous with while still being able to take a step back, besides, I can help with problems on these programs, I've used them quite a bit

[[NK]Mutant]

Another way to block cookies from DoubleClick, etc. is to use supertrick. It also has the nice effect of removing ads for you :P. Maybe you should add it?

[phalkon30]

Hmm, I'm not sure, this is for spyware removal

I could allways make a thread on how to block popups, and have a short thing for any popup blocking software suggested

[IAMSKINZ]

Hi......

I would like to welcome anyone here that is having any problems with Spyware, Adware, or for that matter any kind of Datamining software to visit the Lavasoft Support Forums, we are a real friendly bunch and welcome any and all to come and post your questions. We will be glad to help in anyway we can.

...and remember........

Have fun.............................. :tilted

[Winphuk]

Thanks for the Info Phalkon!


I like to use Bullet Proof adware/spyware remover.

It's fast, and in addition to spyware it removes adware, trojans, keyloggers, and browser hijackers.

[Rahwgwar]

Originally posted by Winphuk
Thanks for the Info Phalkon!


I like to use Bullet Proof adware/spyware remover.

It's fast, and in addition to spyware it removes adware, trojans, keyloggers, and browser hijackers.

Yeah and its a proven ripoff of Ad-Aware and Spybot...........add to the fact that it is outtdated severely and the developer has the nerve to charge you 30 dollars to use it...........while still marketing its false features

[thunderrooster]

Hello everyone.I have used all the ones posted and the best one i have fount is pestpatrol at http://www.pestpatrol.com It detects and protects against more spyware/adaware than any program as of yet it has a monitor that monitors for adware/spyware and keyloggers and your cookies as you browse and they gonna add a portpatrol to.As far as detecting it,a bandwidth monitor is good.When i first got into all this i downloaded one and noticed on day i was downloading a bunch of info and had only my browser running.I fount out it was newnet.Another program i would suggest is active ports at http://www.protect-me.com/freeware.html it tells you every port open and what program it is using.But i dont worry to much now since i got pestpatrol it keeps me protected more than even Bullet Proof adware/spyware remover and thats one of the first paid programs i was gonna buy,i am glad someone told me about pestpatrol.