Best way to get rid of spyware on computer?

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imported_Tomato

Diamond Member
Sep 11, 2002
7,608
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I have so much spyware on my comp, it isn't even funny. I think there are 400+ different spyware programs running constantly, because I just downloaded adaware and was shocked by the results. My computer's been running RIDICULOUSLY slowly (i.e. when I log into AT and try to post, it takes me literally 5-10 minutes per response). Is the best way to go into my control panel, add/remove programs, and go through each one individually?
 
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LikeLinus

Lifer
Jul 25, 2001
11,518
670
126
Originally posted by: Dezign
I have so much spyware on my comp, it isn't even funny. I think there are 400+ different spyware programs running constantly, because I just downloaded adaware and was shocked by the results. My computer's been running RIDICULOUSLY slowly (i.e. when I log into AT and try to post, it takes me literally 5-10 minutes per response). Is the best way to go into my control panel, add/remove programs, and go through each one individually?
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ad-aware deletes them for you? Make sure you have all selected and then delete them
 
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AznMaverick

Platinum Member
Apr 4, 2001
2,776
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hope you don't have the same problem i have, where i delete keys from my registry, and they always keep coming back. (using adaware AND spybot). i also scanned for viruses, symantec didn't pick up anything. (and yes i ran all updates for all programs.)
 
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Electric Amish

Elite Member
Oct 11, 1999
23,578
1
0
Originally posted by: AznMaverick
hope you don't have the same problem i have, where i delete keys from my registry, and they always keep coming back. (using adaware AND spybot). i also scanned for viruses, symantec didn't pick up anything. (and yes i ran all updates for all programs.)
Click to expand...

These aren't viruses.
 
Vic

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
136
Originally posted by: Electric Amish
These aren't viruses.
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adware/spyware = legal viruses :|

Download Ad-Aware and Spybot, run them and have them delete what they find (make a note of what they find and the locations before deleting).

Run msconfig and check the start-up tab to see what loads with Windows. Run regedit and delete the unwanted keys in the run folder.

Finally, do searches on your hard drive looking for and deleting the leftovers.
 
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new2AMD

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2001
5,312
0
0
Originally posted by: jjsole
It always amazes me when a diamond member asks how to remove spyware. :D
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What amazes me more is other diamond members replying with the same answer already given just to get in the thread.
 
FlashG

FlashG

Platinum Member
Dec 23, 1999
2,709
2
0
I use Ad Aware.

It's kind of ironic but AA ads spywhere of it's own when you install it. All you have to do is run it again and it will remove everything.
 
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Thegonagle

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2000
9,773
0
71
Originally posted by: LikeLinus
Originally posted by: Dezign
I have so much spyware on my comp, it isn't even funny. I think there are 400+ different spyware programs running constantly, because I just downloaded adaware and was shocked by the results. My computer's been running RIDICULOUSLY slowly (i.e. when I log into AT and try to post, it takes me literally 5-10 minutes per response). Is the best way to go into my control panel, add/remove programs, and go through each one individually?
Click to expand...

ad-aware deletes them for you? Make sure you have all selected and then delete them
Click to expand...

Some spy-ware seems to be self-recovering. After running Ad-Aware, some of it comes back when you re-boot, and some comes back when you run its associated application.

Sometimes you need to start thinking about backing up your data, deleting windows and program files (don't delete the documents and settings folder unless you want to spend a lot more time than you need to with this) and starting over with your OS and only programs that you know don't wreak havoc.

 
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CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
0
Originally posted by: dighn
they might not remove everything though.
Click to expand...

even if it doesn't remove everything, it removes the common crap, enough to basically disinfect your PC (in my findings it always cleans up well)
 
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