Best freeware for spyware removal

[1pyro]

I am trying to find some good "free" spyware removal tools for my computer illiterate father.
I built him a system about six mos ago and put adaware on it for him, but am not sure if adaware and spybot are still the best freeware out there. Any help would be appreciated.

Pyro

 

[Schadenfroh]

Removing Malware
All tools used are freeware to home users

Getting the tools:
1. Download the following applications, install them, update them, but do not run them:

• A. Spybot-Search & Destroy
  B. Adaware
  C. CWShredder
  D. Microsoft AntiSpyware

2. Make sure that your antivirus is uptodate with the latest definitions, if your subscription has expired, please use AntiVir.


The Cleansing
3. Reboot into Safe Mode
4. Disable System Restore
5. Run a full scan and fix what they find with the following applications:

• A. Your updated antivirus
  B. CWShredder
  C. Spybot
  D. Adaware
  E. Microsoft Antispyware

6. Reboot into normal windows, if you are still having trouble, run a Hijackthis scan, save your log, and post that log on the forums at Spywareinfo.



And please, after you clean it, set him up with a limited account, put spywareblaster on it, keep the antivirus, firewall, windows updated and you should not have to worry about recleaning it for a while

 

[BlueWeasel]

Add SpywareBlaster to that list....it's extremely easy to update and ensure the latest protections are in place.

 

[fibes]

CCLEANER

 

[John]

Spyware Doctor 3.2 is free* and was recently rated #1 in the PC Magazine AntiSpyware Review

* The free version lacks auto protect and auto updates.

I use various AntiSpyware apps on a daily basis to clean computers, and Spyware Doctor is one of the most thorough removal tools I have used thus far. I have always been very partial to Spy Sweeper since it typically detects and cleans more than Ad-Aware and Spybot combined.

I'll disable System Restore first and use CCleaner. I then scan the system with Spyware Doctor, Spy Sweeper, Ad-Aware, Spybot, HiJack This, and then hop online to scan with Panda Active Scan Pro. In some cases I'll still have to edit the registry or remove files manually (killbox works great).