Spyware Problem?

Question

My computer has been infected with spyware.

This sucks because I have a genuine edition of Norton Internet security, which I constantly update.

When I realised there was a problem I saw what Windows recommended. It said to install Windows Defender. This is lame.

What do I do?

Answer 1

go for spyware doctor or webroot spy sweeper (highly recommended)

Answer 2

My computer has been infected with spyware.

This sucks because I have a genuine edition of Norton Internet security, which I constantly update.

When I realised there was a problem I saw what Windows recommended. It said to install Windows Defender. This is lame.

What do I do?

Answer 3

I recommend you e-mail Norton with the exact description of the problem. They will be in the best position to help you. And if they are of no help I would drop there software like a hot potato.

Windowd Defender is an Excellent program, but like Norton or any security program no single one of them catches them all.

I personally use and recomment the following FREE programs.
(2 anti-VIRUS programs cannot run at the same time or they will cause conflicts. Sometimes very serious.)

I use all of the following Free software with Windows XP SP2 and Internet Explorer with MSN toolbar and the pop-up blocker turned on and have never had a single problem with my computer sense Microsoft came out with SP2. (knock on wood.) (And be sure to keep Windows and the following software Updated)


The best Anti-virus is: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. (www.grisoft.com)

The Best Spyware defense is: SpyBot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)<--English version

AND: AdAware SE (www.lavasoft.com)
AND Spyware Blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.info/kb/)
The best Firewall besides the one that comes with Windows is: Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/co... or just (www.zonelabs.com) and select the FREE version.

These are all FREE and are all that are required. There is no reason to pay for this kind of software, except to give a donation to the writers if you can.
ALL the above programs are recommended and should be run on a regular basis. With some the free versions they must be run manually.

The best way to avoid getting any Malware (virus, Trojan's, spyware, etc) is to practice safe computing. Microsoft and many others have countless articles on the subject of safe computing. (something I think should be taught in schools)

for further information on computer safety. http://all.net/journal/50/cybercop.html
And here...
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/zombies_and_botnets.mspx

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Answer 4

I have no good impression of Norton. The Swedish Ad-aware keeps the computer cleaner and it is free to take down. Zone Alarm seems to be better to keep hackers out of the computer and there is also a free copy on Internet. The most important don't visit some sites on Internet and be carefully with the electric mails - don't open suspicious e mails.

Answer 5

spyware ,it stinks ,well dont worry,for starters dont rely on norton for spyware prevention,infact dont rely on norton alltogether
first go to http://www.safer-networking.org/,and download spybot,this will clean the worst of your infection,and will prevent further infection
second go to http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/,and install lavasoft adaware,this will clean any adware(a form of spyware),but dosent prevent infection
third go to http://www.ewido.net/en/,and download this new program from the makers of a.v.g,this again will clean and prevent malware and spyware
finally go to http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx,and download the windows defender,this is different to the other programs as it scans in the background and will let you know if you get infected,this is quite good actually,and is going to be included in the "windows vista"operating system due out next year
i use all of the above programs and i have had 1 spyware in the last 18 months(and that was caught by defender),so if you use the links and download thee programs you should be spyware free within the hour
good luck

Answer 6

The thing that you seen that said to install windows defender probably is spyware itself. Go and download Spybot Search and destroy. It is free and should help you. Go to the link provided to download this. The site also lists other spyware removal software like ad aware and others.

Answer 7

As already mentioned if you want the best spyware protection you have to pay for it: Webroot's Spysweeper and PC Tools Spyware Doctor are both excellent; both scan for rootkits. CounterSpy is another highly rated antispysware programme. If your concern is trojans, diallers, keyloggers etc, then you should look at dedicated programmes like Trojan Hunter and A Squared Anti Malware.

If you aren't willing to pay, then you could try Spybot Search & Destroy, Spywareblaster, Ewido etc. Here's a link to some freeware
- http://www.filehippo.com/software/antispyware/

A Squared Free - http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/
Superantispyware - http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/Super-Anti-Spyware/SuperAntiSpyware.html

You should also use free antiphishing toollbars from Netcraft or McAfee Site Advisor
- http://toolbar.netcraft.com/
- http://www.siteadvisor.com/download/ie.html

Answer 8

Get a-squared. Norton Internet Security is great antivirus protection, but it's not the best anti-spyware out there.

Go here to get a-squared for free: http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/

It's totally comprehensive and updates every day.

Answer 9

Typical huh? Well no fear, there are other anti spyware programs out there and the best thing is they're free! There's a couple of links below to let you check them out. Good luck!

Answer 10

Yes Windows Defender is bad. Infact I recomand that you have more then one spyware program on your PC as they look for different things.

Answer 11

it could be that the spyware thats put on the pc b4 it leaves the factory is activated and is countering the spyware you installed, try deactivatin the standard spyware