Spyware remover-what works?

[Cyclops]

I'm looking for a tool to remove spyware and viruses from my computer. I have used all the free ones but they just don't cut it anymore.
I have been using 5 different spyware removers, none of them alone do the complete job.

So now I am looking to buy something that will remove and keep my computer free of spyware.

I was about to buy Panda Active Scan but then thought it would be a good idea to ask here first.
So who knows what the best program is....money is no object if it keeps those pests away :D . I am totally over them :mad: .

[INV]

Dont see a reason you should be struggling with spyware. You dont need anything more then:

1) Firefox
2) Spybot
3) Windows XP SP2

and to be really careful if you deal with more then webmastering get Kerio Firewall or Zonealarm which is free.

[mcfox]

SpywareBlaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html) is a useful addition. Unless you are filesharing or downloading warez, you really shouldn't have any spyware issues bugging you at all if you use the usual Spybot S & D, fully patched system, etc.

[Cyclops]

Thanks guys....I have a teenage son with friends :rolleyes: , they fileshare etc even though I tell them not to.....
I do use Firefox and Opera but I also use IE which probably causes most of the problems.

Firewalls cause serious problems with the stockmarket programs I have to run.

Spybot is now a paid program so I am looking for something better for my $.
It is a usefull program but a lot of spyware gets past it so needs to be run in conjunction with others.

I'm after a one stop shop :)

[Skinny]

Get Adaware. Its the best spyware cleaner out there and its totally free.

Skinny

[Cyclops]

Get Adaware. Its the best spyware cleaner out there and its totally free.

Skinny

It's one I use but again a lot gets past it.
I have been using five programs and none of them get anywhere near everything.
The best is Microsoft Antispyware but it still falls way short of what you would call full protection.

[Skinny]

Wow that is tough (five programs). May I ask how you are getting the spyware. Are you downloading a lot of free software off the net?

Skinny

[just-4-teens]

ive always got on well with spybot - search n destroy, and its free

[T0PS3O]

Sounds like you just need another computer. Let your son mess up his own and learn the consequences first hand. Soon he'll be clever enought to fix it. Then you can enjoy a crap-free computing environment on your own box.

A little bit more expensive but the best long term solution IMO.

PS I use FF Extension called No Script which allows Jaascript etc. on a white list basis only. No way crap comes in anymore.

[anton-io!]

on top of Spybot, Adaware & others, I like to run registry cleaners like
CyberScrub & EasyCleaner (Freeware)

http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm

it's interesting to see what these tools can find in the registry

[DSR]

My recipe for spyware removal/blackage:

- Firefox
- Spybots 'teatimer' running in th ebackground
- adaware scans every week or so
- Installing this HOSTS file: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
- msconfig and disabling startup items that coudl be spyware
- Hijackthis to remove stubborn spyware items (do this in safe mode)
- Empty every TEMP folder you can find on yoru computer.
- Set MSIE security settings high, set the cache limit to 1meg and set it to empty the temp folder every time you close msie (this is if you use msie)
- Use a free firewall (zonealarm, Sygate personal firewall, etc)
- MS antispyware running in the background (alerts you when it thinks somethign is going on)

I know that's a lot, but if you want to browse the web freely without worrying too much about spyware, you need to be prepared for the worst :) Hope this helps!! :)

[melfan]

if your using Windows OS. I suggest you use microsoft antispyware software

[INV]

Spybot isnt a paid program. I just checked out their official website and its still free as always. If they are doing file-sharing, they should switch to better ways of leeching then P2P programs like limewire, give them some suggestions from irc to torrents, they both are pretty clean compared to limewire, or if they still use kaaza

[mcfox]

I would ban them from the computer. Actually, thinking about it, I would buy myself a new computer and remove all my stuff from the old one and never let anyone else use it (the new one, that is).

[harshad83]

use spyware doctor,adware pro...hope its works for u

[MTbiker]

Webroot Spysweeper has worked the best for me. It got lots of stuff that spybot and adaware missed.

[terryuk]

SpyBot Search & Destroy!

[duenna]

If it helps the forum I have a whole host of spyware information on my website. Also a number of onsite scans, and links to spyware products.

There is enough information to help out! Stuff on HijackThis plus links where you can post logs, NOD32 and some really clever Russian Software (Dr.Web which you download and not install. Hope it helps?

David