Help, Need Spyware program

[Gomboman]

Are there any decent free Spyware programs out there? I've done several virus scans that have come up fine but I believe I have some spyware issues. I get pop ups for companies trying to sell me spyware software. I also get a fake Systems Alert from the bottom of my IE browser telling me that Spyware has been detected. I tried using Sybot and some software though my verizon account without any success. I would buy a program but I'm not sure which one to get. Maybe Webroot Spy Sweeper?

Any suggestions for me?

[wmccall]

This sounds just like one I dealt with today. Except you won't pay me $60


Assuming your running XP, download Adaware, make sure its updated. Run it, run it again in safe mode. Download Windows defender at http://microsoft.com/downloads.  
Check your control panel/add-remove programs for something you didn't install. Some of this crap in trying to become more legit actually lists itself here and can be uninstalled, yet still displays qualities of other malware.

If you get ad-aware from download.com search for ad-ware (use the hypen) ignore th paid ad at the top and get the real thing.   I don't depend on a single spyware utility.  

NEVER download a virus or spyware program you find out about in a pop-up. Unless you want to give someone like me a lot of money.

Another thing to try.  And if you have a broadand always on connection, try this in SAFE MODE WITH NETWORKING

http://housecall.trendmicro.com

[Gomboman]

Thanks wmccall. Why can't Microsoft put all of this crap together in one package? I hate all these add ons.

[96SC]

wmccall:

You mentioned 'defender' by microsoft.  Is that 'Ultimate Defender'?  That thing keeps popping up on my computer and is a bi*ch to close even if you click NO.

I have Norton anti-virus and when I try to update the virus definitions, 'UD' come up.  I thought maybe it was part of Norton (Symantec).

[Gomboman]

OK, I tried sereral programs--all of the ones recomended here plus a few more. Webroot's SpySweeper was the only program that got me back in business.

I personally think most of the anti Spyware and Virus software companies are bottom feeders that plant thier virus code for profit.

[wmccall]

wmccall:

You mentioned 'defender' by microsoft.  Is that 'Ultimate Defender'?  That thing keeps popping up on my computer and is a bi*ch to close even if you click NO.

I have Norton anti-virus and when I try to update the virus definitions, 'UD' come up.  I thought maybe it was part of Norton (Symantec).

No, this is Windows Defender, a recent update to their anti-spyware program.  It only runs on 2000 and XP.

[NE-Phil]

OK, I tried sereral programs...Webroot's SpySweeper was the only program that got me back in business.

I've been using Webroot's SpySweeper over a year now with good results. And Spybot. And AdAware. And Microsoft Defender.
I'm kind of a belt and suspenders guy, I guess....
Then again, I don't get spyware!

Phil  

[Snowbird]

I've been using Adware Personal for almost a year and it works fine.  Eevn better than the free McAfee stuff that comes with Comcast.  And Adware Personal is free.  Try it - you have nothing to lose.

http://www.lavasoft.com/

[hymbaw]

I run Adaware and Spybot and they both miss things that Ewido Security Suite catches. Awesome product.

http://www.download.com/Ewido-Security-Suite/3000-8022_4-10543926.html?tag=lst-0-1

Also run CrapCleaner. It removes cookies along with unused file extentions, IE cache, temp files, and others that can slow your computer. It also has a feature that lets you decide what runs at startup.

http://www.ccleaner.com/