Comments for Spyware: How do I remove and avoid spyware?

Comment from Lincoln Ashe on 2011-06-22

2011-06-22T20:28:10Z

I want to keep my computer against virus,spyware and other programs. are there any free stuff that i can use to protect my computer I don't know one virus protection over the other

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Comment from Brit on 2011-06-18

2011-06-18T07:48:51Z

I have had Kaspersky for my anti virus program for past 3 yrs and have been pleased with it so far and are very responsive to concerns when I have them. I have another 30 days left on my current installation and I am planning on renewing it for another year, Your thoughts on Kaspersky please as I never seem to see any mention of it from other users and am a real nerd with computers and not at all savvy. My computer is constantly freezing up; ads popping up and I don;t know if this is a separate issue or is it my AV causing the problem?

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Comment from Flashorn on 2011-06-17

2011-06-18T00:21:33Z

I would certainly not recommend Spybot or Adaware. Both are archaic programs and do not have what it takes to remove or stop malware from filtering in your PC. MSE is a good alternative to either Avira or Avast. On the plus side, MSE doesn't require you to run a antispyware program in real time as opposed to Avira and Avast which are primarily antivirus programs.
I will commend you on the mentioning of MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware. This is the premium of removal programs on the internet.
Another such program is SUPERAntiSpyware which is also a very up to date program and in the case you do get some nasties on your pC, you can scan in Safe Mode with best results. They also offer a portable version.Both have free versions.
A few add-ons for Firefox : WOT (Web of Trust) although this add-on will work in IE (all versions) and Chrome.
AdBlockPlus is also a must but, only for Firefox.
I will add one more: keyScrambler Personal from QFX Software : http://www.qfxsoftware.com/download.htm

I like your letters Leo so, keep up the good work.

I don't believe in key-scrambling products. While they might stop certain types of keyloggers they can be circumvented in several different ways. I would be concerned that they give you a false sense of security. Is there a way to bypass keyloggers? has more. (Short answer is: no.)

17-Jun-2011

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Comment from Rob on 2011-06-16

2011-06-17T02:24:58Z

Who knew?? I have only operated computers for the past 20 years and never heard of Microsoft Security Essentials until today. Scan told me I am OK - Phew!! Thanks a bunch

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Comment from johnpro2 on 2011-06-14

2011-06-14T21:01:27Z

We protect our 4 browsers with a simple right mouse click and select "run sanboxed"
Protection to date has been 100% with no updates or daily scans required. It is also free!
http://www.sandboxie.com

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Comment from Temperance on 2011-06-14

2011-06-14T17:31:26Z

Spybot Search and Destroy will hi-jack your computer if you download a trial and then decide not to buy the program. Unless you reset the computer to a previous date, you never get rid of it.

That has not been my experience. Spybot is free - there is nothing to buy.

17-Jun-2011

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Comment from Robin Clay on 2011-06-14

2011-06-14T16:04:41Z

It is my understanding that no one prog will catch everything. Also, that you should not have more than one prog activated at a time.

Having, after many years, given up on Norton as annually being TFD to renew, I now have MacAfee. Should I, could I, also, simultaneously, have Microsoft Security Essentials running ? I haven't even downloaded it.

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Comment from Mark J on 2011-06-11

2011-06-11T14:08:37Z

@Emiel
No Script is a tool that lowers the risk of spyware, along with the suggestions given in the article.

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Comment from Emiel on 2011-06-11

2011-06-11T10:09:57Z

This is maybe a technical detail, but this article mentions how to remove spyware, not really how one can avoid it.

Does the NoScript addon in Firefox helpt to avoid spyware?

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Comment from thomas mitchell on 2011-06-10

2011-06-11T01:54:58Z

The combination of MBAM and Super antispyware does the trick for me. I run a scan with both of them together to clean my system.

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Comment from MaxK on 2011-01-18

2011-01-18T17:11:59Z

You should update Article C2278 - October 24, 2009. Microsoft Security Essentials (free) has superceded Windows Defender

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Comment from Daniel on 2010-09-19

2010-09-19T19:16:06Z

If you're interested in Adaware, you should know that their free version occasionally pops up ads - their official ads, but sometimes for 3rd party things (e.g. mother's day flowers) Whether you consider this ironic and heinous, or a tradeoff you're willing to make for what they can provide, is your judgment call.

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Comment from michaeldavid on 2010-07-27

2010-07-27T12:59:50Z

Hi,
If u wish i can suggest u one application. there is an application named Advanced System Protector,It not only clean ur system from spywares but also it gives routine updates of the latest

definitions and is very easy to use..
The On Execution Scanner & Alert Shields make it more efficient in the case of internet access.

For me the Advanced System Protector is the Best Antispyware...U can also give a try...
free version of ASP is also available at cnet

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Comment from jais miller on 2010-07-20

2010-07-20T07:28:58Z

I will recommend u to download a anti-virus and anti-spyware instantly u can try MCAfee or Avast antivirus and fro anti-spyware u can try Bit Defender, Spyware Doctor or Advanced System Protector.

I use combination of avast and advanced system protector u can also try them.u can download it from cnet

and be quick it may also corrupt your pc.

Best wishes.

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Comment from Helmikuu27 on 2010-05-13

2010-05-13T19:43:52Z

I think that the best way to avoid virus and spyware is to just be careful as to what sites you visit and what you download. This common sense is important as having a solid Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware software installed in your system.

But for more tips about how to get rid from virus and spyware pls visit my site.
http://www.tech-tak-talk.co.cc/2010/05/10-tips-to-get-rid-from-virus-and.html

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Comment from Alex Barker on 2010-03-09

2010-03-10T02:35:07Z

if i have any problems with spyware or malware i try to visit legitimate web-site about malware and there i take manual removal guide's in order to remove rogue applications, one of the best sites dedicated to malware and spyware removal is - http://removeit.info/

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Comment from Jim on 2009-12-06

2009-12-06T23:09:16Z

There are 2 ways to remove spyware, manually or automatically. Manually is a little harder because you need to track down all the infected files and get rid of them. Automatic is good but sometimes it costs money. Some websites provide you with full removal instructions like - http://www.spyware-fix.net

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Comment from Jennifer on 2009-12-01

2009-12-01T16:23:00Z

I find it is very essential that the definitions be updated almost everyday. You have excellent tips and i can honestly say the one about updating the database was KEy to me saving my system from a crazy infection. I actually used a program I got off of http://www.spywareremove.com. They provided free database updated like you suggested. Thanks again for the tips!

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Comment from Brian Casson (User name Brianeng) on 2009-11-14

2009-11-14T17:39:30Z

I found your article on Virus protection very good. I followed your recommendations to download Windows Defender, went to the site & successfully downloaded to my Desktop. I then clicked Run - started the installation wizard ok, but would not install, a message "Installation Error" came up, saying - could not access network C:\******\*****\my pictures\. I went to the microsoft site, which was no help, would appreciate some advice please.
Regards
Brian

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Comment from Mike Noonan on 2009-10-29

2009-10-29T22:02:40Z

I have switched from ZoneAlarm to the new Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE).

See this review. http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/20091001/microsoft-security-essentials-but-not-enough-shake-rivals.htm

Windows Secrets mentioned it and it's false positive and false negative tests were right up there with the best of the breed.

I'll try it for a while. So far, so good.

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Comment from Terry Hollett on 2009-10-28

2009-10-28T16:18:27Z

I like to recommend Malwarebytes from http://www.malwarebytes.org/ I'm tempted to tell people to skip the antivirus and just use this. To bad the free version doesn't have a real time scanner.

From one of your older comments about 'FreshDownload' - it's a download manager. Or it seems like it. I use to use it when I had dial-up.

Download managers are almost a required tool if your stuck with dial-up but a waste of computer resources on a high-speed connection.

http://hitanykey.webs.com/

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Comment from MmeMoxie on 2009-10-27

2009-10-27T18:20:47Z

As I am reading these previous comments, I see a pattern here. Most of these people, don't have the computer knowledge to solve their issues. At least they are trying to learn more and ask questions, that in itself is very good.

When the situation becomes so bad, that using regular programs like Ad-Aware, Search & Destroy Spybot, CCleaner, WindowWasher so on and so forth, aren't solving the issue, the ONLY solution is to completely re-format your hard drive and do a 'clean' install of your computer operating system.

The problem is, most of these people haven't a clue about how to do this. They know very little about their computers. So, I highly recommend that they find a 'computer geek' friend, and ask for their help or take your computer to a computer shop and let them do it. Of course, this will cost you money, but, what else can you do? Many 'computer geek' friends will charge you a lot less than computer stores or they may not charge you at all, it all depends on the issues. Buying a new computer will cost you MORE money in the long run.

All I am saying, is this is what 'computer geeks' do, re-format the hard drive. Plus, they usually have lots of 'back-ups' or use an external hard drive for 'backing up', so it is easier to install your basic files, like financial, emails, documents, so on and so forth. External hard drives are the way to go, in my humble opinion. They are not as expensive as they were when they first came out and you can get a LOT of storage space for a very reasonable cost.

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Comment from Rajan on 2009-07-21

2009-07-21T08:35:57Z

Hello
I have already installed purchased copy of pctools 'spyware doctor and antivirus' .in spite of this recently i discovered i am not able to log into my 'TASK ADMINISTOR' and get error msg 'TASK ADMINISTRATOR' has been disabled. i am not able to use 'regedit' command also in Run program in my Windows XP prof OS.
pl offer ur comment on these 2 problems
thanks

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Comment from Beatrice Jones on 2009-07-03

2009-07-04T05:46:05Z

I am have trouble big times I have run Ad ware Spy bolt and Eusing register cleaner. My computer slow and the page of death happen often. I was looking in the register and there are lots of porn. I deleted even in safe mode with restore turn off but they come back soon as I deleted them. I did not every go to a porn site but my teenage grandson was on my computer and I expect he did. Please give me some much need advice how to remove it Thank you for any advice or help BJ

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Comment from Silki Garg on 2009-03-29

2009-03-29T14:16:22Z

Off late I am finding lot of blogs giving spyware removal information. Some of them like http://webtoolsandtips.com are nice. I do not know how far they are useful, but still they give some food for thought.

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Comment from Anne on 2009-03-08

2009-03-08T13:00:23Z

Are you familiar with TTY accessory software? It has been downloaded on my cell phone. Also, are you familiar with the type of spyware that travels from phone to phone like a computer virus?

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Comment from ignas on 2009-01-07

2009-01-07T14:05:48Z

You may also be interested in this comparison table found here: http://www.2-spyware.com/compare.php
Major anti-spyware compared by different feature.

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Comment from Al on 2008-12-30

2008-12-30T18:51:31Z

I have the same problem as J, Lori, Pieter, and Yvonne. Someone is monitoring all phone calls, in or out, mines and my wife. J, Lori, Pieter, and/or Yvonne have/has anyone found a solution to our problem.

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Comment from Stanis on 2008-11-30

2008-11-30T13:22:36Z

dear mr. leo,
a few days ago i downloaded some free software off the internet and am having problems now. there is this spyware called FreshDownload that is causing me a lot of unnecessary waste of time. every time i try to down load something it prevents it and gives me the following message: "FreshDownload could not handle this download" etc. i don't know much about computers and neither have the cash to invest in expensive software. i, therefore, fervently request you to please help me out with this matter. please tell me in detail how i can remove this from my computer. NOTE:you will have to be very specific as i am not good at computers. i hope u will treat this urgent and reply me soon. thank you.

beat regards,
Stanis Bard
30/11/2008

I do not have specific instructions for that infection. I strongly recommend you read the article you just commented on, as well as this article: Viruses: How do I keep myself safe from Viruses?

- Leo
30-Nov-2008

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Comment from Robert Moore on 2008-11-11

2008-11-11T21:23:18Z

I have seen PCs running interminably slow. After doing all the updating of software, running anti-virus software, running anti-spyware, they still run slowly.

The latest one ran fine until Internet Explorer started - then it slowed to a crawl. Running Firefox was a stop-gap solution.

Aside from doing a clean reinstallation of Windows and all the other software, what other options are there? Does this mean that spyware still exists but cannot be found?

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Comment from Helen Hamblin on 2008-11-09

2008-11-09T20:04:38Z

I have angi-spyware.
I have an ICON that shows up beside my tool bar
where the time is.
I can't make it boot & has no name shows.
IT looks like a space helmet with red beady eyes &
there's a new picture in my picture files.

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Comment from Paul Clark on 2008-09-20

2008-09-21T03:54:09Z

Hey Leo. Thanks! Spybot worked like a charm!

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Comment from J. on 2008-09-05

2008-09-05T13:51:46Z

Lori, Did you find any solution to your problem? I am going through the same situation.

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Comment from gerald wollens on 2008-08-11

2008-08-11T17:26:22Z

i tried spybot and it is not free in case you did not know yet so you can update your recommendations

Spybot Search and Destroy remains free. Get it from safer-networking.org. Here's a quote from that site: "Spybot-S&D is free" - seems pretty clear.

Occasionally other sites will try to sell you software you can get for free elsewhere. Always find and go to the source. safer-networking.org is the official home of Spybot.

-Leo

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Comment from jon on 2008-07-10

2008-07-11T04:49:35Z

I have always had good luck with webroot spysweeper but its not free. For free I like spyware terminator or Pc Tools Free Edition.

http://www.mdofpc.com

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Comment from yvonne on 2008-07-10

2008-07-10T15:23:18Z

someone has downloaded a bluetooth syware on my cell phone too. I cant find any information on how to get it off of my phone. I can hear them listening and hanging up their phone.

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Comment from Pieter on 2008-01-28

2008-01-29T06:35:53Z

Someone has downloaded spyware onto my cell phone and has been intercepting all phone calls, voice mails and text messages that I send. Is there any way to find out WHEN this was done and WHO did it?
I've asked around and nobody has ever heard of this. Please help - You're my only hope! (Yes I read the article!)type of software i can use to take this S---head of my cell phone he is invading my privacy

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Comment from lori on 2008-01-28

2008-01-28T18:18:31Z

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Comment from lori on 2008-01-28

2008-01-28T18:17:49Z

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Comment from santiago on 2007-09-25

2007-09-25T11:18:00Z

I have not used my laptop for a few week, had a new password, when i went to checked my messages all but the one from that day was not open. Am i being hacked, there is a way of finding who did it?
thank you very much is really important for me

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Comment from Garn on 2007-09-12

2007-09-13T01:51:19Z

Take a look at http://www.putertuner.com

Has a step by step process to clean off spyware and adware, and a section on speeding up your computer as well.. cool little website

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Comment from vincent on 2007-09-03

2007-09-03T14:20:34Z

If you have recurring spyware/virus problems give this procedure a go: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407
I have used it several times and it has never not fixed my problem.

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Comment from George Arauz on 2007-05-10

2007-05-10T12:04:37Z

Try using Firefox instead of I.E. Its a help as well.

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Comment from andrew on 2006-09-07

2006-09-07T19:57:46Z

I also wrote an article on removing spyware and adware @ http://www.leahey.org/2006/08/22/how-to-safely-and-thoroughly-remove-adwaremalwarespyware/

I'm not sure what your policy on spam is, if you consider this spam I'm sorry.

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Comment from Mike D. on 2006-08-22

2006-08-22T08:16:56Z

How can I detect cellphone spywear? If found can I link it to a source for possible prosecution after a investigation?

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Comment from Leo A. Notenboom on 2006-08-16

2006-08-16T15:35:43Z

No. New article on that: http://ask-leo.com/free_downloads_are_they_safer_if_i_download_directly_to_cd_or_dvd.html

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Comment from nic sye on 2006-08-15

2006-08-15T17:13:11Z

If i wanted to download a risky file from bittorrent such as a game, would my computer be safe if I downloaded it directly to a CD or DVD?

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Comment from Leon on 2006-08-14

2006-08-15T02:12:43Z

I've worked in a called centre. They say to type.
"Kill Message" and hopefully the messages will stop. Also If the problem persists and you suspect it's someone you now you may call your telecommuncations company and recieve a new phone no. for free because of the nature of the change.

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Comment from dana on 2006-07-10

2006-07-11T00:58:31Z

someone is sending text messeges to my boyfriends cell phone, from my cell phone number, that i am not sending, and i dont know who is doing this. it seems like my cell phone has been hacked, the messeges are very rude.
can you tell me how people can do this? cant hey hack my phone? could using a computer to do it?

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Comment from Chris on 2006-07-07

2006-07-07T13:35:21Z

Hi, a quick question. Spyware Doctor keeps telling me I have cool web on my pc. Worringly it tells me that these traces are in my antivirus / firewall and other antispyware apps. Of even more concern is that having removed these apps and cleaned up all registry traces of them, it then finds them in the 'replacment' apps I have installed. Not only that but none of my other anti-spyware apps including Trend Micro (with built in CWS) detects this traces. On a final note under the description of the spyware problem Spyware Doctor then displays 'toss' as the recomend action. Is it possible that Spywaredoctor itself has become corrupted and it seems unable to remove the infections and merely finds them in other applicaitons having removed those it has initilaly identified. Any help would be appreciated as I spent way too long trying to deal with this already.

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Comment from Tyler on 2006-02-18

2006-02-19T02:28:06Z

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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Comment from Leo on 2006-01-03

2006-01-04T06:50:54Z

Hard to say. It depends on what they are.

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Comment from eric on 2006-01-01

2006-01-02T04:02:39Z

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

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Comment from davey on 2005-12-24

2005-12-24T12:51:54Z

i have used all your programs adaware spybot microsfts own

they DO NOT WORK

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Comment from Leo on 2005-12-21

2005-12-22T06:13:36Z

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

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Comment from k allen on 2005-12-04

2005-12-04T20:35:17Z

Are there any Spyware removal programs for Apple Mac OSX

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Comment from Leo on 2005-08-22

2005-08-22T14:53:44Z

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!

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Comment from manoj on 2005-08-22

2005-08-22T09:38:00Z

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

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Comment from Leo on 2005-02-09

2005-02-09T16:54:12Z

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

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Comment from chuck on 2005-02-09

2005-02-09T12:12:46Z

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

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