Spyware: How do I remove and avoid spyware?

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I believe that one of the biggest items missed in this article is to use a different browser! Internet Explorer is an identified security risk. My suggestion is to use a different browser (Firefox, Netscape, etc.) whenever possible.

The tools listed above are definitely good, but the MS tool is still in beta. I recommend Spyware Blaster which, like the beta MS tool, provides active spyware blocking (meaning it stops spyware as its being installed (proactively) rather than removing it after it has been installed - reactively (like other tools).

HijackThis is a great tool also, but typically used for the more difficult spyware that can not be removed by the other tools listed.

Like Doctors, Computer Professionals have different solutions for the same problem. I hope that my solutions help someone out there.

Have a great day,
Chuck Smith

All good suggestions, Chuck, thank you.

I do want to clarify, though, that not all spyware comes via the browser, and I don't want people to think that changing their browser would be a replacement for any of the steps I've outlined above. I feel strongly that everything in this article is still required, even if you do use a browser other than Internet Explorer.

For the record, I use Firefox, and my wife uses IE, and neither of us have problems. I comment more on that in this article: http://ask-leo.com/should_i_switch_to_firefox.html

C:\windows\system32\lsass.exe terminated unexpectedly with status code 128. Your computer will now shut down in __ seconds..."

This is the error I'm dealing .windows 2003 is installation. Is there a way I can replace that file, a hardware issue, an easier fix than a reinstall, or is a reinstall my only answer? Some people may like reinstalls, but I absolutely refuse to do that unless there is no other possible recourse. Too much is lost and too much time is needed to get the system back 'the way it was'.

I hope to perform a QuickTech memory test today, but the pc recognizes it fully - which I know does not always mean anything...hence the test.

Thank you.
manoj

LSASS isn't broken - that message is the symptom of a virus. http://ask-leo.com/what_are_lsass_lsassexe_and_sasser_and_how_do_i_know_if_im_infected_what_do_i_do_if_i_am.html

I would try to reboot in safe mode, and run an up-to-date anti-virus check. If that doesn't work and you have the resources, you might be able to build a bootable CD with an anti-virus program on it (it's a bit of work, and will require a different, working machine with Windows) - http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/ has the tools.

Outside of all that ... then yes, a reinstall "on top of" would be my next step.

Good luck!

Are there any Spyware removal programs for Apple Mac OSX

That would be this article: http://ask-leo.com/why_does_my_system32_folder_open_when_i_log_in.html

i have used all your programs adaware spybot microsfts own

they DO NOT WORK

hi leo, quick question. i have a couple different anti-spyware programs (ad-aware, spybot)..they work great and all as they clean my computer, but after i reboot, i'll run ad-aware/spybot etc and it'll find "new registry items"...is there a reason they keep coming back? what should i do? it seems like the same ones are coming back

Hard to say. It depends on what they are.

Just for the sake of telling people...
If you are actively searching for microsoft Anti-spyware and find nothing it is because microsoft made beta 2 and called it Windows Defender (Beta 2). This program has more definitions and has a cleaner layout, but lacks alot of the more advanced features in easly accessable places

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