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Free adware removal programs?

fourstringdrums

fourstringdrums

Decidedly Indecisive
Supporting Member
Oct 20, 2002
9,721
12,479
45
Massachusetts
#1
I'm really hating computers at the moment... I had to reinstall windows today and after all that, a few hours later I got some 1 800 search assist thing installed on my computer (yes I'm behind a firewall). I have SpyBot but it never catches it. I downloaded a few programs that did, but you have to pay to get the full program. Does anyone know of any good totally free adware/spyware removal programs that I might try?
 
#4
HiJack This will catch things nearly all the others won't, but it's not as clear cut as the others (it gives a list of possible culprits) so you have to know what you're deleting.

I had a bug on my old computer once and it was the only thing that would find it.
 
#6
no such thing as one program

Here is free stuff you'll need


1) seek and destroy spybot (removes high trouble stuff... very good)

2) adaware removes annoying stuff

3) The MS spyware thingie is weird but i did need it for atleast 2 adwares that i could do with others...

4) hijack is more technical and more i guess um hardish... but good too and yeah you got to have it simply if you cant fix it yourself you can take log file and ask someone who knows (google)

You need all of those plus anti virus... for antivirus i prefer and recommand AVG its free and works great...

and last but not least... i recommand google for whatever those cant fix.. you find a lot of tricks anwsers with those you cant remove


Hope this helps

Cheers
 
#8
I once had the exact same trouble having my browser hijacked, It's a headache to say the least. If you're using windows XP I would sugest that you go to microsoft's site and download Microsoft Anti Spyware.... It worked for me so far. Also keep in mind that some anti spyware/adware removal programs can remove important files that your browser uses to access the internet so sometimes you can remove the spyware but come to findout that your browser no longer works. I havn't had this problem with Microsoft Anti Spyware, at least as of yet. It removes just about all forms of spyware/adware and updates itself with new spyware definitions just like any antivirus program does. It's still in beta form but works VERY well.
Invalid Link Removed
 
#9
Regarding the Spybot:

1- Make sure you are updating the definitions
2- Familiarize yourself with the Immunization feature. Use it. It's in the Tools section. It prevents infections.

Other than that, Adaware is fabulous as well, but you must keep it updated. And I agree that there may be software you are using that is infected. Kazaa? Something like it?

Finally, use the Firefox browser to surf all MP3 and Tab sites or any other questionable (pr0n) sites, with cookies, history etc. turned off.
 
#10
For a really good site. Check out Invalid Link Removed for free downloads and Link Removed for extensive info on spyware. Also, Microsoft has a beta version of it's AntiSpyware program for free on their site.

I have Spybot, AdAware, Spyware Blaster, and Spyguard, but when I ran the the Microsoft product, it found 37 additional instances that the others missed.
 
#11
Actually no, I'm getting infected after doing a clean install of Windows and wiping out my hard drive. The only programs I've installed are ones I've always had like firefox, trillian and winamp. I did install Kaaza BEFORE I had to reinstall windows, and I believe that's what wrecked my computer. But It's not on here now.
 
#16
Eric618 said:
The problem in question might be on your boot sector. Too fully remove any and all traces of EVERYTHING, you need to reformat the drive, and start from scratch.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
Agreed. Reformat the HDD, create a new, small partition for the OS, and you'll be good to go. Spyware and virus leave traces, which are basically small parts of themselves to act as back doors for re-entry in to your system. Also remember that viruses aren't invited to your system , but spyware usually piggybacks on other applications which you install when you click "I Agree" in the EULA (End-User License Agreement...that long, legal-looking thing before you download something)
 
#17
GSPLBASSDC said:
Agreed. Reformat the HDD, create a new, small partition for the OS, and you'll be good to go. Spyware and virus leave traces, which are basically small parts of themselves to act as back doors for re-entry in to your system. Also remember that viruses aren't invited to your system , but spyware usually piggybacks on other applications which you install when you click "I Agree" in the EULA (End-User License Agreement...that long, legal-looking thing before you download something)
Click to expand...

Well, I already spent all day installing and reloading everything, so I'm not in a mood to go through that again any time soon :) Everything seems to be working just fine now, so I'll continue to run Norton, and SpyBot and AdAware every day to take care of any new things, and next time if I have a problem I'll do the mentioned above.
 
#18
Best wishes on your fight against spyware. I have found another program called Bazooka. It seems to find some stuff buried in the registry that others miss. It was mentioned before, but I also think you need a couple of these programs running to catch it all.

My web surfing is limited to site I trust, so I have not had any spyware problems for a very long time.

-Mike
 
#19
MJ5150 said:
Best wishes on your fight against spyware. I have found another program called Bazooka. It seems to find some stuff buried in the registry that others miss. It was mentioned before, but I also think you need a couple of these programs running to catch it all.

My web surfing is limited to site I trust, so I have not had any spyware problems for a very long time.

-Mike
Click to expand...

Yea I'm going to have to do that (just visit sites I trust or are reputable). As I said too, the crap didn't hit the fan until I downloaded KaaZa, then my computer locked and when I tried to reboot, Norton wouldn't load and I couldn't open anything. On top of that, whenever I tried to restore windows, I'd get "windows couldn't restore to this previous date" or whatever.
 

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