Common Spyware Solutions

[vass0922]

Ok this is a bit of a broken record with all of the spyware/malware problems.

I wanted to create a post that others can refer to as a generic TRY THESE SOLUTIONS for all of the spyware threads

What is Spyware

Suggested Appilcations:
These applications can help to remove the problems from your machine.

(suggested applications have a free version)
AdAware SE (Updated around early August so make sure you have the new version!)
Spybot - Search & Destroy
CWShredder Specific to CoolWebSearch (and variants) spyware but its spreading rapidly and is causing a lot of problems.

Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta Works pretty well, and may clean things the other two do not.

If these utilities fail to clean up the problem please run
HijackThis
This application will create a log of all installed and running applications.
Please create a thread and include a copy of this log so we can determine what the problem is.
When giving a subject line for your thread, do not use "Help". Use a more descriptive subject like "Problem with spyware"

Important:
Once you install Spybot/AdAware/MS Antispyware PLEASE run its update process!
Anti Spyware utilities need to be updated just like antivirus utilities so they must have the latest reference files to be successful.
(if anybody has a few moments post up a quick tutorial how to do it in each application please do so)

Also note that some "Anti Spyware" utilities ARE SPYWARE
They may work to clean up some spyware, but they may also install their own spyware so please stick with the popular solutions given above.

Another suggestion is to try using an online virus scanner such as
TrendMicro House Call
Do a full scan to make sure viruses are not causing the problem.
If you prefer you can install a free full application virus scanner.
Grisoft AVG Antivirus

Post any other suggestions, and maybe we can get it stickied.

[FatalException]

(previously posted in thread: http://www.techimo.com/forum/t113501.html)

Simple solution to avoid spyware: don't download stuff you don't need. You know that cute Weatherbug program that people think they NEED to survive (it shows the temperature outside as an icon down by the clock in the corner of your screen), it comes with quite a bit of spyware. How about Kazaa or most other file sharing programs? Enough spyware to make even the fastest system choke. Webshots desktop wallpaper changing program? Yup, it probably has some too.

The fact of the matter is, surfing around the internet using a browser like Firefox (www.mozilla.org) instead of Internet Explorer, going to reputable pages like Yahoo, Google, or my favorite - TechIMO... won't give you anything worse than a bad tummy ache from all the tracking cookies websites will flick onto your machine (no big deal, in many security experts' opinions).

The problem starts when people install active-x components or visit less than reputable sites and end up downloading stuff to their PC's that really shouldn't be on there.

The best way to prevent spyware and ad-ware is to avoid them like the plague - if you NEED to know the temperature outside, go to www.noaa.gov (far cleaner and faster than www.weather.com and it's the same source most airlines get their info from, so it's very accurate). If you want to download MP3's and other junk, find a different way to do it like newsgroups or use an ad-free version of the software you like (may require $$$). And if you want your wallpaper to change on a daily basis... go into the blasted control panel and change it by hand.

It's all the "extras" people install that come with this adware... NOTHING in this life is free... and that includes cutesy little useless applications that people are just BEGGING you to download.

Remember, spyware isn't limited to the three types of applications I described above and OFTEN, people don't even need to download anything specific to get it. Simply clicking a bad webpage and telling Microsoft Internet Explorer to trust the code from the page or install an extension "necessary" to view the page is all it takes. This is the reason most people are saying to switch to Firefox - it's faster, cleaner, pop-up free, and a heck of a lot harder to get slammed with adware unknowingly while you're using it.

[Brainchild]

I might add that AdAware,only the new version build 6.181 will accept the update.If you have anything older than 6.181 get the new one.The old one will but will not find all the spyware.This was covered in a different thread,but worth mentioning again.
Also there is a new update,so be sure and dowload that when you get the new build.

[filipino]

dang you guys remind me to scan my systems for adware and spyware thanks ! haha.. i havent been doing scanning for a week.. since i install firefox and spyblaster i feel safe

[Brainchild]

Never to safe,IMO.

[B71655]

If you are running windows XP with Firefox, you need a update. Go get the latest build (a .2 version) Found a hole, posted a patch. http://update.mozilla.org/extensions...nfo.php?id=154
Mozilla Update :: Extensions -- More Info

[The Real Bingo]

For AIM users, make sure NOT to install the WildTangent games or WeatherBug. WildTangent is a good source of spyware, and many people think WeatherBug is. Weather Watcher is a better program for monitoring weather.

And yes, I vote to stickify this because you know at least once a day someone asks how to rid their computer of spyware.

[VHockey86]

Spybot Update:

This is rediculously easy but I figured I'd fill Vass' request

First step is to startup Spybot 1.3


1) Click the "search for updates" button.

2) Place checkmark next to detections

3) Press download updates button



4) Afterwards goto "Search and Destroy" to the left and run the scan by hitting "check for problems"

5) After scan is done... press fix problems button

6) Now goto "Immunize" to the left.

7) Press the "immunize" button with the green "+" next to it

Lavasoft Ad-Aware Update:

Essentially just as easy

1) Startup Ad-Aware

2) look just above the "start" button for the "Check for updates" link

Or u can press the graphic button, 2nd from the right, which has a magnifing glass looking at a globe to

3) Press "connect"

4) If an update is available you will get a prompt, click OK to allow it to install the reference file.

5) When its done, just press "finish"

6) Now you can just press "start" to scan your computer

7) Click on the "customize" button. With the "general" tab to the left selected:
Make sure there is a green checkmark next to every option except "skip non-executable files, and "skip files larger than:..."

8) Press 'Proceed' and then 'Next'

[sixf00t4]

http://www.auditmypc.com/freescan/popup/popup-test.asp

[izaic3]

Hey this was my idea http://www.techimo.com/forum/showthr...83#post1107083
:P