How to remove adware from my computer?

Barbawa · 11-20-2005, 07:56 AM

I am wanting to know how to remove adware from my computer.

Can anyone help me with this?

Will.Spencer · 11-20-2005, 08:03 AM

It's pretty easy to remove adware from your computer.

There are some excellent free software programs designed to remove adware and spyware.

The best free downloads to remove adware from your computer are:

. Spybot Search & Destroy
. AdAware
. Spy Sweeper

For a more extensive discussion of this topic, please refer to What is free spyware removal software?

kareja · 11-20-2005, 10:06 AM

even i m facing this problem after getting an internet connection.Will try out some of these tools and see.
Thanks

Rob · 11-21-2005, 05:36 PM

Will - is Spy Sweeper free?
I always use adaware and Spybot but after looking up Spy Sweeper, I believe you have to buy that one?

kareja · 11-22-2005, 09:36 AM

I think its not free.
Spybot SD is free.I have tried it out.Cleaned my system very well.
Thanks

Will.Spencer · 11-23-2005, 07:53 AM

Quoting from What is free Spyware Removal Software?:

"Spybot Search & Destroy is free. AdAware has one version which is free for non-commercial use and two pay versions. Spy Sweeper is a a subscription service, but you can get one database update as a demo."

kidiotb · 11-23-2005, 10:14 AM

Which of these might be a good option? As you know installing more software leaves their traces on the system and makes the system slow. So better to stick to one software

Will.Spencer · 11-23-2005, 10:24 AM

If you only go with one, go with Spybot Search and Destroy.

Rob · 11-23-2005, 08:47 PM

I agree, I really like Spybot though i sometimes have trouble updating the definition files.
I dont know if this is just me or if its a server problem.

pyowomaniac · 12-01-2005, 01:02 PM

They've given you good advice. One thing I will say is that you shouldn't have to pay anything. There is plenty of working software that does not charge you to use it. With that being said, whenever you're running the software listed here - use it while you're in safemode. If you're in regular mode, the adware just restarts itself because all of your files are active and running.

infinitomagazine · 12-04-2005, 09:26 PM

I use AdAware and it is the best anti-spy software. AdAware scans your entire PC looking for spies.

AdAware Home is free this is another of the pros.

CaitSith4343 · 12-04-2005, 10:36 PM

I have heard that Hijackthis is a good tool. I tried it out once but couldn't figure it out. It shows you all the programs and applications that run on your computer at startup and at other times. The only problem is, you have to know what is bad and what is good. There are some forums out there where you can post your Hijackthis log and they will help you out with seperating the bad from the good though.

I only used it once and stopped after I realized I could just do a system restore. Seemed pretty useful though. Anyone else use it?

kelp · 12-05-2005, 07:02 PM

Use Spybot,
http://www.safer-networking.org/
and
Adaware,
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Once removing all traces of adware and spyware, it's recommended to prevent it from coming into your system in the first place. There are many ways you may have gotten it, but the most common reasons are browser and OS insecurity. Be sure to update to Service Pack 2 if you have Windows XP and switch to another browser other than IE.

cmpolis · 12-07-2005, 12:20 AM

You might want to also check out the windows security, thing, it works suprisingly well and is free!

-C

Will.Spencer · 12-07-2005, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmpolis

You might want to also check out the windows security, thing, it works suprisingly well and is free!

Which Windows security thing?

pyowomaniac · 12-08-2005, 01:02 PM

Is this program, Avg, any good? It's one of the few free programs that I've been able to fine but I'm not sure if it's legit or not because it finds viruses but does not delete them.

kelp · 12-08-2005, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyowomaniac

Is this program, Avg, any good? It's one of the few free programs that i've been able to fine but I'm not sure if it's legit or not because it finds viruses but does not delete them.

AVG Antivirus is a legit freeware program. It might just quarrantine files into a certain directory because most viruses cannot be removed from deletion. They'd have to go into safe mode or something like that.

imported_Steve · 12-08-2005, 06:19 PM

I found AVG not to have as often updated definition files compared to programs like McAfee, etc...

Due to being free, I guess they are not so on the ball as other software vendors are. This means that a new virus may not be caught by AVG, whereas other paid anti-virus programs will catch it.

Fry · 12-15-2005, 02:28 AM

Im not an AVG fan either.
Its free so obviously they cant afford to employ staff and keep it up to date on the cutting edge.
Thats scary if you ask me.

compnut · 12-15-2005, 11:56 PM

I use two programs called Adaware SE Personal and Spy Doctor. Both will remove your spyware. I would recommend, even after using those two programs, that you run several different programs to make certain all spyware is removed, as each program only picks up certain spyware. One of my favorite sites is called PC Pitstop. You can run a total system test to see how your system holds up and how it compares to other, and they also have a virus checker and a spyware checker. You can do a search in your browser to find these programs. All are free. Good luck!

Aura · 12-18-2005, 11:06 AM

I actually use three programs. AdAware, SpyBot and Spyware Doctor. I rely on Spyware Doctor the most. It finds just about everything and I have never had any spyware problems by running this program weekly. It is not free but is well worth the small registration fee you pay to keep your pc running hijack free.

AdAware and Spybot are both great free programs and I would recommend using them both as they will both pick up different spyware. I have found that running Adaware first and then SpyBot does an excellent job.