Popups and spware/adware appearing...but I have "everything".

[Azndude2190]

There popups and spyware/adware appearing on my desktop and in my files at random times lately(like just a few days ago)...I dont understand.I use Mozilla with its buit-in popup blocker,ZA Firewall,Norton AntiVirus 2003,Microsoft Anti-Spyware(yesterday it found 2 spyware programs and deleted them...today another 4)

 

[BriGy86]

spysweeper and trend micro internet security (my set up) works great

and you can qualify for the 25 dollar rebate for trend since you have a pervious version of norton

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Azndude2190
There popups and spyware/adware appearing on my desktop and in my files at random times lately(like just a few days ago)...I dont understand.I use Mozilla with its buit-in popup blocker,ZA Firewall,Norton AntiVirus ANTIQUE EDITION,Microsoft Anti-Spyware(yesterday it found 2 spyware programs and deleted them...today another 4)

Fixed. What are you using 3-year-old antivirus software for? The defs can be up-to-date but you're still using a ridiculously out-of-date engine.

Back up your stuff, burn your Windows installation to the ground, and start over. Don't let it touch a network (wired or wireless) until it has Service Pack 2 installed (you will need the offline installer file) and a firewall up and running. No warez/etc. I'd suggest Kaspersky Antivirus Personal, and set it to use the Extended Databases and Maximum protection on both the real-time and on-demand scanners. Use a Limited account for browsing, IM and email, not the default Computer Administrator-class account, and keep your nose clean.

 

[Fattysharp]

My fiancee seems to find a great deal of spyware to isntall. I swear she does it on purpose.

I found that Spywareblaster has helped a great deal. It is a preventative program that wil not allow common html/activeX exploits to install. There is a free version and it works great. This will not clean up what is already installed but stop anything new that it recognizes.

Avast! Home Antivirus is also a free program that works wonders in my experience.

 

[FlyingPenguin]

Just running an anti-spyware app won't do, you have to do a thorough clenaing. I do this for a living. Follow my instructions here: http://theflyingpenguin.com/spyware-removal.shtml

Nor will an Anti-spyware app prevent spyware from infecting you. All it will do is WARN YOU of suspicious activity. If you fiancee is too stupid to heed the warning of your anti-spyware app and downloads the Christmas Screensaver that comes bundled with spyware anyway, there's nothing it can do.

Ultimately spyware prevention involves the user. I have spyware prevention info posted on this page for the benefit of my clients. I find handing them a printout of it to read at their leisure is more effective than trying to lecture them: http://soldcentralfl.com/flyingpenguin/spyware/spyware_help.html

Have her read it.

Hope this helps...

 

[Fattysharp]

I spend a great deal of time cleaning pc's as well and your removal page is well done.

Also, you should look into the program I was talking about, before deciding how it works. It offers no prompts, does not tell you or ask you anything, it just blocks any spyware/activeX that it recognzies.

As for stupid people who don't know about spyware/malware .. Some people are computer junkies. Maybe they are better off for it

 

[imported_CaptainHowdy]

Try out Spyware Doctor... it works very well. I had some nasty spyware on my comp, and it got rid of it all. Also I have Trend Micro running. These two programs will help (for now). Just wait for a new update from Windows.

 

[BriGy86]

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=33&threadid=1658987&enterthread=y