2006-07-18 18:11:05 · 5 answers · asked by crazycool9210 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
There are several free utilities from Download.com
http://www.download.com/Security-Spyware/2001-2023_4-0.html?tag=dir
Good programs include Ad-Aware and Spybot.
You can also buy commercial software. Computer Associates PestPatrol.
2006-07-18 18:16:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on how serious the infections are, you probably can use the free spyware removers available over the internet. Virus scanners, while great for viruses and other really nasty stuff, typically don't remove more benign spyware all to well, thus why they're not called spyware cleaners. Be cautious of the unknown spyware cleaners, as alot of these will just put more junk on your computer rather than cleaning it.
Microsoft maintains their own spyware program designed specifically for Internet Explorer. It's routinely updated through windows updates.
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
Ad-aware was and may still be the best spyware remover previous to the release of Windows Defender.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
Make sure to update them before running any scans, and if they're not succesful the first time through, try running them in windows safe mode. Instructions below.
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm
If all else fails, bring it to a professional who can get more hands on with your directory and registery where the spyware is lurking.
If they're unable to solve it, the last resort is to salvage the vital data on your hardrive and reformat, bringing your hardrive back to its original(out of the box) condition.
2006-07-19 01:48:50 · answer #2 · answered by Wintergreen_pen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Adaware is a pretty good free program. There is also Spybot search & destroy and CCleaner that work pretty well also. If you don't mind paying a bit, Norton Antivirus is an excellent program, which also has spyware protection built in.
2006-07-19 01:15:05 · answer #3 · answered by consumingfire783 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend using mozilla instead of internet explorer, I've run a few different spyware programs after using mozilla and it rarely finds any.
2006-07-19 01:19:55 · answer #4 · answered by Oscar R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use Microsoft Windows Defender
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=435bfce7-da2b-4a6a-afa4-f7f14e605a0d&displaylang=en
You can also use Spybot and Ad-aware, but the Microsoft one is pretty good.
Good Luck!!!
2006-07-19 01:15:22 · answer #5 · answered by IO 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋