Whats the best spyware removal tool?

[apaxfrenzy]

Whats a good spyware removal tool for pre 2000/XP versions of Windows? I'm needing to remove some junk off two WinME systems.

Ad-aware doesn't seem to do jack so this is why I'm asking. MS Anti-Spyware is only for 2000/XP.

Thanks for any help!

Peace,
Dave

 

[Schadenfroh]

Spybot Search and Destroy

 

[GoffyDude]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Spybot Search and Destroy

Uhh...NO.

Spybot is awful compared to CounterSpy and SpySweeper. Between those two, cwshredder, and adware away, your system will be darn near completely clean.

 

[SleepWalkerX]

spyware doctor runs on WinME.

 

[Nocturnal]

Ad-Aware, Spybot, Spy Sweeper, Spyware Doctor 3.2. I don't know if Counter-Spy may work.

 

[BW86]

What I use:

Spybot
Ad-Aware
SpywareBlaster

edit: all are freeware btw

 

[Nocturnal]

Also I'd scan the hard drive with Panda's Active online scanner which will pretty much tell you what you're infected with. There are certain spyware types that are not able to be cleaned just by using this anti-spyware programs. You have to use tools such as Hijack This and various others which are readily available online/the net.

 

[John]

All of these work fine in Win 98/ME, and I use them on a daily basis to clean systems.

Spy Sweeper
Spyware Doctor
Ad-Aware
Spybot
HiJack This
Panda Active Scan Pro

Be sure you disable the system restore in Win ME/XP!

 

[cronic]

try pest patrol

 

[Xyclone]

Originally posted by: GoffyDude

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Spybot Search and Destroy

Uhh...NO.

Spybot is awful compared to CounterSpy and SpySweeper. Between those two, cwshredder, and adware away, your system will be darn near completely clean.

Heh, I used to be an Ad-aware fan. It started out as some program no one knew about to the biggest anti-spyware/adware program now. But, has all their fame got to their head? The definitions nowadays are useless: they can't even find any spyware! From what I've read, Spybot: S&D is the way to go these days, it finds everything. Sure, it may not have a splashy UI, but I use these programs to remove spyware and adware, not for eye candy.

Never heard of CounterSpy. :roll:

I used to use Spysweeper, but my trial ran out, I don't want to pay for an anti- adware/spyware program.

I've also heard good things about PestPatrol, but I've never heard of it.

Cliff Notes:
1. Ad-aware used to be unknown, and now is very popular.
2. Fame got to Ad-aware dev's heads, their definition files suck now.
3. Spybot is the best program nowadays.

 

[mOeeOm]

My combo:

1) Ad-ware
2) Spybot
3) CCleaner
4) AVG 7.0 virus scan
5) Windows Defrag

GG