How do I scan for spyware and adware?

Question

Lately my computer has been locking up. I think that I have spys and adware problems but I can't find the way to scan and get rid of these programs. Please help me. Thanks

Answer 1

I recommend you use these programs (they are free).

1) AVG Free anti-virus
http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/

2) Ad-aware spyware remover
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php

3) Spybot - Search and Destroy spyware remover
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

4) CCleaner - registry and privacy cleaner
http://www.ccleaner.com/

Answer 2

OK, there are several things you need to do:

1) turn off System Restore. You do this by going to Accessories..System Tools..System Restore. Turn this off--it's most often not needed and is a place where viruses hide.

2) go to www.grisoft.com and download their AVG anti-virus package. After installation, make sure you have it updated with the most current definitions.

3) I assume you're running Windows XP. Turn off your computer and re-start it in safe mode (which you do by repeatedly pressing either F5 or F8 just after you turn the power back on--you'll get a menu asking you how you want to start up). Once you've booted into safe mode, run the AVG software. This is a *very* aggressive software package and can remove just about anything.

4) Reboot your computer normally. If you're still having problems, continue with the following:
5) Go to
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/progr...
and download HiJackThis. Run the program, which will create a log file. Go to

http://forums.spywareinfo.com/

and post your HiJackThis log. You will get an extremely rapid, very precise answer as to whether or not you still have any infections and, if so, exactly what to do.

6) After everything is all cleaned up I recommend installing SpyBot (it's free; just make sure to keep it updated):
http://www.safer-networking.org/

and SpywareTerminator (also free):
http://www.spywareterminator.com/

Good luck!

Answer 3

For anti virus www.avast.com
Spy ware www.lavasoft.com . Download Ad aware Personal.
www.spybot.com

All vary good all free.

Answer 4

The best thing to do is to go to http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
There you can run a free scan and its one of the better ones. Lots of pros use this one.

Answer 5

Download Spybot, install, update and then scan

http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html

Answer 6

Get AdAware.