How do you get rid of spyware?

[Master Moron]

I think I accidentally downloaded some Spyware. How do I get rid of it? I know in theory I could just go to the control panel and uninstall it, but the thing is I'm not sure what programs are junk and what programs I actually need. Any advice?

[Kury Wagner]

Get Ad-Aware (http://www.snapfiles.com/get/adaware.html) or some other program like that. I had TONS of spyware and ads and stuff on my computer, I hardly have problems now, and I use Ad-Award.


Wow that sounded like a plug. . . :gir:

[dendawg]

I think I accidentally downloaded some Spyware. How do I get rid of it? I know in theory I could just go to the control panel and uninstall it, but the thing is I'm not sure what programs are junk and what programs I actually need. Any advice?
Spybot Search & Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)
Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoft.de/)

The two best spyware removal programs I know of.:cool:

[maximumzero]

The only TRUE way to get rid of spyware is switch to a linux-based OS. FreeBSD, or get a Mac.

But since those are giant leaps to take and require alot of technical knowledge (or money) I'll see what I can do to help you here.

The first thing you'll want to do is download ad-aware or spybot (or both, actually) and run them through their paces. Once you're done with that, do yourself a favor and dump IE and download Firefox. (There are other alternatives but Firefox is the one I'm not familiar with.)

[Rafeal v1.0]

Spybot s-d is the best.

also get a firewall, i have sygate, they've worked pretty well so far.

[Kury Wagner]

Once you're done with that, do yourself a favor and dump IE and download Firefox. (There are other alternatives but Firefox is the one I'm not familiar with.)I use Internet Explorer. . . I have for years, though I have tried other browsers, I much more prefer IE.

[Arxane]

I use Internet Explorer. . . I have for years, though I have tried other browsers, I much more prefer IE.
It's okay to prefer IE, but changing browsers is still a very good idea.

Internet Explorer has a reputation as being the most buggy browser on the internet today. It can be argued that most virus writers and spyware distributors go after IE because it's the most popular, but IE helps its own vulnerabilities. IE is very dependent on Active X, which was developed in hopes of streamlining media content through the browser but now is almost exlusively used by spyware programs to enter one's system. The dependence on Active X has crippled IE to the point where the US government (http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=16922)has warned against using Internet Explorer.

Another reason why IE can be so dangerous is because IE is a system-level application, meaning it is firmly integrated into the Windows operating system. Other browsers like Firefox and Opera are user-level applications. If something dangerous infects, say, Firefox, then the worst that can happen is that you have to reinstall the browser. Is something infects IE, then it can potentially damage the entire operating system and cause a system crash and the like.

There are a lot of good reasons to use an alternate browser, but if you can't see yourself switching from IE, then it's a very good idea to take precautions. SpywareInfo has a great article (http://spywareinfo.com/articles/hijacked/prevent.php) on protecting yourself from malicious attacks when browsing the web using IE, so I suggest reading that if you can't switch.

And, of course, there are the typical things already mentioned: when infected with spyware/adware, use both Ad-Aware and Spybot. To prevent hacking attacks, get a firewall (Zone Alarm has a good free one available). And if you're ever in a bind when it comes to getting spyware off your computer, try the forums of SpywareInfo; the folks there helped me get rid of a horrible program called CWS last year.

Happy surfing! ;)

[Anime Guy]

Ad-Aware works great for me. I used to have problems with spyware and such on my comp, but a routine Ad-Aware scan takes care of it.

[Westlander]

When it comes to browsers, try Maxthon ( www.maxthon.com (http://www.maxthon.com) ).

[tucsoncoyote]

pretty much the same thesis here

Namely Adaware, Spybot S and D and of course I will add in two others..

one is Called Hijack this (http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html)If you are an expert user then this additional program is good for helping locate a lot of Hidden Spyware.. and in fact this one does have disccussion boards out there so that they can help you remove the correct items without messing up your browser..(and a lot of times thanks to this little package it helps find stuff that you didn't know was out there..

Another good program I might recommend is SpySubtract (http://www.intermute.com/). This program has a number of Features and can kill a lot of spyware (you can download a 30 day free demo of the program and if you like it you can buy it.. all for 30 bucks..) but this program has a nice Little Feature.. Venus Spytrap.. it detects and can notify you of Spyware threats.. and even help remove them.. it also comes with a "Gator Slayer" (which removes components from Gator.com) and in fact is a very versatile program.. and in fact it even goes so far as cleans up your history and cookie tracks.. not bad for 30 bucks..

but I think any of these 4 would be a good choice.. (and you would only use Hijack this if you're an expert.. else ignore that one..)

:coyote:

[Sue]

I bought this program called Spyware Stormer, and while it removes spyware and adware, it doesn't block it. I think I'll give Ad-Ware a shot.

[Sampo]

I bought this program called Spyware Stormer, and while it removes spyware and adware, it doesn't block it. I think I'll give Ad-Ware a shot.

To block spyware you either switch to another web browser program (such as Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/)) or avoid installing random programs from various websites. Certain programs install spyware onto your computer either to allow you use that product (program that displays Ads till you pay for the full version) or just plain sneaky and installs them on your computer without you knowing about it.

With Spybot S&D, there is a way to immunize your registry/system. But I'm not sure how effective it is though.

Also Spyware Stormer is very, very similar to Ad-aware... So I don't think you will see much of a difference. Other than the fact one is free and the other one you had to pay for it. :sweat:

[Ninja Murasaki]

Spybot and Ad Aware are both good. I have used both and they have helped very well. :) AOL has it's own spyware scan and firewall. Be careful not to delete something useful. Luckily you can recover it if need be if you were using Spybot because they save all the programs you deleted. Yes it does seem like Internet Explorer is a bad choice nowadays. At my old school they had new computers with XP made by IBM using IE but most of them were loaded with spyware. Some of them would freeze up constantly and many were bombarded with pop up adds everytime you went on to the internet even though it was the schools website that was the homepage. It must not be a good combination-computers,internet, kids and not enough spyware protection. Kids aren't always as careful when they aren't on their own computers. I've noticed that even though I have AOL version 9.0 and a DSL conection with the blocking pop ups activated some of the pop ups get through. Wonder why?

[LightShadow1890]

Get Ad-aware. Trust me it helps.

Dump IE. When my aunt's laptop got infected with it, my uncle put this Smart Explorer on. You can delete all cookies and stuff. But then....my aunt went to her work, and the the techie guy deleted everything.

My bro has Hijack This. You can delete stuff.

Or just re-configure your PC.

LightShadow1890

[Zach]

Just for the record, I've tried everything within my budget to get rid of Spyware and the stuff isn't gone.

[Sue]

I downloaded Ad-Aware yesterday, and it's a lot better than what I was using. It found stuff that Spyware Stormer didn't. Also, it looks like Ad-Aware does have a blocking feature, Ad-Watch, but you'd need a licensed copy, i.e. a store bought version, in order to activate it :sweat:

[Sampo]

I downloaded Ad-Aware yesterday, and it's a lot better than what I was using. It found stuff that Spyware Stormer didn't. Also, it looks like Ad-Aware does have a blocking feature, Ad-Watch, but you'd need a licensed copy, i.e. a store bought version, in order to activate it :sweat:

D'oh, oops I forgot about that feature :sweat: Sorry about that.

[Arxane]

My bro has Hijack This. You can delete stuff.

A word of warning: Hijack This! is a program that should be used by people who truly know what they're doing. The program takes a deep look at your computer's internet settings to help people who have their Internet Explorer browser hijacked (like when you have a new front page or something). However, the program DOES NOT detect the malicious code automatically. Only a trained professional can tell what needs to be deleted and what must remain intact. If you delete the wrong thing, you can seriously screw up your computer.

Only use Hijack This! as a last resort, and when you do use it, visit the forums of SpywareInfo to ask for the help of people who know what to look for.

[SSJPabs]

Common sense is a good way to prevent it as well.

I use Symantec's online virus checker, ad-aware and Spybot Search and Destroy, use IE 99% of the time and I don't seem to have any problems and hardly ever had. Is it the sites that I'm going to that aren't spyware intensive? Or what? To me spyware has hardly ever been a problem with IE.

[Lord Dalek]

PestPatrol, but I think that one costs money.

[Bubblegum Girl]

Well my dad install Spybot onto our computer and then he told us to use FoxFire instead of Internet Explorer. But still since I have new computer, I don't have to worry about spyware. :D

[Westlander]

AOL has it's own spywareSorry, couldn't resist, but AIM really installs spyware and if you remove it, it comes back.

[Sue]

D'oh, oops I forgot about that feature :sweat: Sorry about that.Ah, don't worry about it :) Even without Ad-Watch, it's still much better than my old anti-spyware program.

[Tash]

Sorry, couldn't resist, but AIM really installs spyware and if you remove it, it comes back.One word: Trillian

[Westlander]

One word: TrillianTwo words: or Miranda.
You're right, though Trillian has a weird key-mapping issue. Wherever I try to press CTRL-ALT-C (whether I'm focused on Trillian or not), the Connection window pops out. Very irritating when you have to press that combination very often (it's for one of Central European letters).