68 replies to this topic

[harriko]

I didnt know where to post this so i posted in this section.

so, i have spyremover. but it seems to be getting outdated and i wanted to know what other ones are out there, freeware or paid programs. anyone have any good spyware removers? thanks!

[miCRoSCoPiC^eaRthLinG]

I like both:
a. Alluria Spyware Eliminator
b. Lavasoft Adaware SE

[ssjojo]

i also like the lavasoft adaware program. it is a great program that picks up adawre or spyware that some other programs cant. It also has a feature on it where you can update it. it is also free as well

[gangsta_zar]

Ad-Aware SE is my favourite program because of its extreme ease of use and seamless intergration into the Windows environment. The first time I ran it on my computer, it picked up over 700 spyware files! Now I run it every week and the speed of my computer has increased tenfold. And, its free!

[kaputnik]

Yeah... I'd definately go with Adaware.. I've been using it once a week for the last 3 years and its kept my computer reasonably free of spyware and malware.. Adaware is free adn you can download it here

Another tool I use once every now and then is Hackthis... it will give you a list of all your registry entries, show you which ones you're using most, etc.. you'll be able to view every reg. entry to check for any malacious items.. if you're not sure of any entry.. just copy the reg details and search for it on google.. there are a bunch of forums that will provide you info on any type of entry.. any that you don't need.. you can simply select and Hackthis will remove it.. The issue with Hackthis is that I've forgotten where I got it from since I've had it for a while now.. possibly over a p2p network.. anyhow it works right out of a folder and does not install into your system.. so if you want to look into it.. I'll zip it and put it up somewhere for you to be able to access it..

Another handy app. I've been using for a while is BHODemon.. it installs and will audit all BHOs (Browser helper Objects) which may be automatically be added to your Browser.. or locate items that may try and hijack your browser while you install 3rd party apps. Through a GUI it will let you select which objects you wish to keep or delete.. it will also show you which BHOs it considers dangerous... the only BHO i allow is the Google Desktop search... you can get this app here

Hope this helped.. R.A.

[OpaQue]

Ad-Aware SE is my favourite program because of its extreme ease of use and seamless intergration into the Windows environment. The first time I ran it on my computer, it picked up over 700 spyware files! Now I run it every week and the speed of my computer has increased tenfold. And, its free!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Even I use the same thing.. It is really powerful scanner. I downloaded it from Download.com. It had the most number of positive reviews and ratings.

and

Welcome to Astahost kaputnik!

[MajesticTreeFrog]

If you really want to deal with spyware, get Spybot, Adaware, and the new Microsoft Anti-Spyware. Then use all three. You can set the microsoft one to scan every night, and use the other two sporadically.

The reason to use all three is that they all catch spyware the others don't. This way, you get the most stuff off of your system.

All three of them are free, so there is no reason not do go ahead and get the best possible overall solution.

[harriko]

cool! i just downloaded ad-aware and san it on my system and it found 70 spywares!!! i just formatted it about a week ago. thats about 10 spywares each day! the scanner is really fast too compared to my old one. it just took about 10 minutes rather than 1 hour. whats this about the "spybot" is it good aswell?

[MajesticTreeFrog]

cool! i just downloaded ad-aware and san it on my system and it found 70 spywares!!! i just formatted it about a week ago. thats about 10 spywares each day! the scanner is really fast too compared to my old one. it just took about 10 minutes rather than 1 hour. whats this about the "spybot" is it good aswell?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, it is almost as good as ad-aware, but it gets some that adaware doesn't

The same can be said of microsoft anti-spyware.

[Dooga]

Hmm... I think the best spyware scanner is AntiSpyware by Microsoft, because it understands the windows system more than Lavasoft. However, the best way to prevent spyware is to not got to *those* sites.

[kc8yff]

I actually use two: Ad-Aware SE Personal and Spyware Doctor. Both work very well. It takes just a few minutes for these to check the whole system. I run them both every day and my system runs perfectly.

[xtron]

I recomend a "compilation" of scanners and protection
1 AddWare
2 Armor2Net
3 SpyRemover
4 Norton Personal Firewall 2004

I'm going 2 try the new s**t from microsoft .... but... most of the Microsoft soft have security holes in them so i'm a bit reticent.

[amkint]

believe it or not.. i don't use any spyware remover.. i am not lying..
i never had the need to use it.. my comp works fine since the first time i brought it.... never downloaded any freebies like toolbars or password managers or p2p softwares or visited any spyware site... so my comp is safe...
i had adaware once but it was useless... nothing came from the scan.

[Xevian]

I use Ad-Aware SE Personal as i frequently use the internet and to play safe, i also have an active spyware and pop-up blocker... although i forgot the name...

[dissipate]

i use ad-aware se together with spyware blaster and they're awesome tools... i haven't had much spyware coming up on my adaware scans ever since.

[Strykerclan Leader]

To me, no antispyware can possibly detect every threat but Spyware Doctor gave me better results than Microsoft Antispyware but well, I would use Microsoft Antispyware for real-time scanning even though it eats up a resources like an antivirus since my Spyware Doctor is in a trial version.It's like a swiss army knife, more user friendly than Spybot - Search & Destroy so if you ask me, get Microsoft Antispyware for real-time scanning, Spyware Doctor for on-demand scanning and SpywareBlaster for prevention.

[spotok]

I belive in System Mechanic..by iolo technologies..
it is not only spy remover but much more than that..
here goes its introduction

System Mechanic® 5 keeps your PC running faster, cleaner, and error-free with its award-winning arsenal of system tools. Find and fix stubborn errors, clean up junk and debris, optimize Internet and download speeds, ensure personal security, and maintain your computer for peak performance.
Version 5 contains a multitude of new and improved tools such as a boot-time defragmentation tool; a universal software uninstaller to completely remove applications; a software relocater to move any program from one location to another; Startup Guard to prevent rogue programs from automatically starting with Windows; SafetyNet, a multi-level undo tool that can reverse tool actions; and much more!


NetBooster turbocharges your Internet and download speeds by optimizing hidden network settings in Windows for maximum velocity.
Start-up Windows faster
Configure the programs that load when Windows does in order to streamline system start-up speeds for the fastest possible performance.
High-speed disk defrag and optimization
Dramatically increase your hard drive speed and reliability with the disk defrag and optimization tool that employs proprietary Caterpillar Technology for flawless results everytime. NEW boot-time defragmentation even lets you defrag system files before Windows starts.
Recover, defragment, & optimize system memory
Renegade applications steal away RAM without giving it back. Memory Mechanic recovers memory to increase system speed and prevent crashes.
Tweak hundreds of hidden Windows settings
Fine-tune and optimize hundreds of undocumented Windows features that affect appearance, security, performance, your network, and more.
System Mechanic's PC repair tools are designed to fix stubborn and annoying computer problems.
Clean and optimize your system registry
The Windows Registry is a critical element of your PC. Over time, it becomes cluttered and slow. System Mechanic's powerful Registry tools clean, backup, compact, and defragment your Registry for optimal performance.
Find and fix broken shortcuts
Clean up your Desktop and Start Menu by re-linking or removing broken Shortcut links. Now you can easily move programs, files, or directories to a different location and re-link their existing shortcuts automatically.
System Mechanic's cleanup tools assist you in cleaning up unnecessary clutter and debris from your system.
Get rid of junk files on your PC
Find and remove hazardous and space-wasting debris left by untidy programs, crashes, and unexpected restarts or shutdowns.
Find and remove duplicate files
Clean up error-causing and space-wasting duplicate files and drivers. Easily find duplicate files on your system to be removed.
Stop annoying Internet popup advertisements
Tired of endless pop-ups advertisements that never stop? Eliminate popup advertisements and speed up your Internet experience with Popup Stopper!
Completely uninstall any application
Completely and safely remove any unwanted application on your computer - even if the application doesn't come with its own uninstaller.
Cover the tracks you leave behind
Places you visit on the Internet, the programs and the files you use, and more are tracked every day. Keep this sensitive information private.
System Mechanic's security tools help you protect and secure your computer and sensitive information.
Eliminate PC parasites with Spython™
By merely visiting certain sites or installing software, there may be more information going out from your computer than you are aware of - and some of it is potentially dangerous. Spython hunts down and destroys annoying adware and malware parasites with pinpoint accuracy!
Startup Guard™: Increase PC security!

Automatically detect and prevent rogue programs, such as spyware, adware, viruses, trojans, and other annoying applications, from adding themselves to the Windows start-up configuration. Effectively add an additional layer of security to your PC with System Mechanic's Startup Guard™.
Easily undo any action with SafetyNet™
Selectively undo any action performed with System Mechanic at any time. SafetyNet™ keeps track of all reversible actions performed with System Mechanic, so you can undo an individual action, or a complete transaction.
Securely delete sensitive information
Incinerator™ allows you securely delete and remove traces of a file or folder's existence, securing your sensitive data to government and military standards.
Track changes with system snapshots
Monitor the precise current status of your system now and track all changes that have taken place since your last system snapshot.
System Mechanic's maintenance tools easily maintain your computer to keep it smooth, fast, and error-free.
Easy PC maintenance wizard
The ultimate in convenience! Perform critical repair, tune-up, maintenance, and security functions all from a single, easy to use interface.
Schedule your PC's maintenance
Let System Mechanic automatically care for your PC with its built-in scheduled upkeep. Keep your PC running at maximum performance!
Easily move any program
Easily move any program to a new drive or folder on your system with System Mechanic's new software relocater. The software relocater will handle preserving all the application's configuration and settings.
Easy access with the Utility Bar
The Utility Bar is a dockable utility bar that gives you access to useful system information and tools - even when System Mechanic is not running.
Access logs and system statistics
Comprehensive activity monitoring and statistics let you look under the hood and see your PC's improvements for yourself.

[pax_wyk]

PestPetrol is my favourite!

[almoo7]

The dynamic trio of Lavasoft's Adaware, Spybot Search & Destroy and Spyware blaster on my computer!!!