Re: Ask Windows XP Expert Walter Clayton About Spyware

From: Walter Clayton (w-claytonNO_at_SPmvpsAM.org)
Date: 08/07/04 

Date: Sat, 7 Aug 2004 11:47:30 -0400

Generally all I use is AdAware first followed by SpyBot. There's a lot of
overlap in the two tools, but they also concentrate on non-overlapping
areas. It's also wise to follow up with installing SpywareBlaster. None of
these require run time presences although SpyBot will offer to install such.
No harm in doing so and in some instances, especially with multi-user
machines, a necessity. The biggest issue is remembering to run them
periodically after checking for updates. The latter is one of the reasons,
other than not changing usage habits, that people get reinfected. It's
easier to avoid being click happy than it is to clean up the mess
afterwards.

There are instances where AdAware/SpyBot may be neutralized or unable to
clean something. I handle those on a case by case basis since you're looking
at going with some highly specialized tools that if misused will leave the
machine unbootable (note that there is a nasty that the current version of
AdAware had been cleaning incorrectly that would make it impossible to log
on to the machine without taking corrective action).

Depending on your level of expertise there are some tools that circumvent
issues with removing nasties that are resident in memory even in safe mode.
If an XP machine is being disinfected I use a bootable CD created using
Bart's tools with fully updated AdAware, Trendmicro, McAfee and Kaspersky
tools (all free versions) incorporated. This also allows me to correct any
registry issues on the host machine without any major hassles other than
knowing what parts of the registry need be hacked. The reason I include and
run AV scanners is generally if some one has a load of spyware it's not
unusual they'll have nastier stuff as well. 

-- 
Walter Clayton - MS MVP(WinXP)
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.
http://www.dts-l.org
http://support.microsoft.com/servicedesks/fileversion/default.asp|
"Andrew" <Andrew@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message 
news:97E53975-D207-4D60-B5D7-08BE5BB4D3CF@microsoft.com...
>
>> I already know what Spyware can do and all to your computers but what is 
>> the best Spyware and Ad-aware remover programs out there I'm using Spybot 
>> 1.3 and Ad-aware 6.0 from Lavasoft and I heard having two good Spyware 
>> and Ad-aware remover programs that it will remove about 90% of Spyware 
>> and Ad-aware off your computer and keep it out.

Relevant Pages

  • RE: Anti-spyware Beta from Microsoft available
    ... Running the default scan in Spybot and Adaware runs in the context of the ... Running the full scan, at least in Adaware, does not check current running ... Anti-spyware Beta from Microsoft available ... different spyware products. ...
    (Focus-Microsoft)
  • Re: Windows Xp Home retail is taking ten minutes to load.
    ... CWshredder,Windows defender, Stinger Virus, Spybot serch and destroy, Adaware ... I am going through the process of doing all virus scans and spyware scans. ... DO NOT REBOOT unless told. ... Run Spybot Search & Destroy ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Ad-aware Update 01R224 06.10.2003
    ... > spyware programs work with Win Up. ... I'll get you off that Norton crap yet!!! ... I knew Adaware and Spybot had some differences, but, I have ...
    (microsoft.public.security)
  • Re: Virus & Spyware
    ... Why weren't these picked up by Norton, Spybot S&D or Adaware? ... It helps to think of anti virus and anti spyware programs like a seatbelt ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: How to reinstall ...
    ... I have Adaware, Spybot, MS ... > Start by downloading each of the following additional free tools - and download ... > AdAware, CWShredder, and Spybot S&D have install routines - run them. ... > Spyware Warrior: ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)