READ: Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus Programs

**martz0r** · 01-05-2006, 06:42 PM

Being on TF's "Technology and Gaming" thread in the last few months, it seems that at least twice a month somebody asks how to remove the AIM hijacker, or other viruses and/ or spyware from their computer. Therefore, I've come to write this post on my opinions of good and bad Anti-Spyware/Adware & Anti-Virus programs. Spyware, Adware, and Viruses are not good for your machine because they not only slow it down, but also install unnecessary programs, cause pop ups while browsing, change your personal settings, and can allow anyone into your computer.

AIM PROBLEMS?
~ First of all, for those of you who want to get rid of that annoying AIM hijacker (the one that sends Instant Messages to those who are on your buddy list, telling them to click a link or look at a website), I have relied on an easy solution. AIMFix by Jay Loden. AIMFix removes any known AIM viruses and hijackers very quickly and easily. More information, and a FREE download can be found HERE. It is not a program that you need to install onto your computer, it's a quick, one-step deal. I've found this tool to be the most helpful of any Anti-Spyware programs that I've tried to remove this thing with, mainly because it is strictly for use with this type of virus.

SPYWARE/ADWARE ISSUES?
~ It is very easy to obtain Spyware or Adware on your computer without realizing it until it is too late, or sometimes never. They are both very sneaky and can harm your computer without the proper care. Some Spyware/Adware programs that you come across on the internet may say that they help, but there is a lot of ones you need to watch out for. Some programs may LOOK like they work, but in fact carry Spyware, Adware, and Viruses that you don't even notice. For Spyware/Adware I've found these programs to be the most helpful and non-harmful to your system:

-Adaware: In my experiences with this program, it's worked very well. It is free, comes with free updates, very personalizable, is not too big of a program (size wise), and is not a big "resource whore" to your PC. It removes known Adware problems as well as some spyware problems. Click HERE for more info, and a free download.

-Spybot Search & Destroy: I've previously used this program in sync with Adaware. This is again, a FREE program, doesn't install any unnecessary crap onto your PC, works GREAT, comes with free updates, and allows you to personalize it to your liking. It will scan your computer for any Spyware issues that can be deleted or quarantined. Information and a download can be found HERE at the bottom of that page.

-Hijack This: This is a small program that quickly scans your computer for spyware and adware alike. It also checks for system setting changes. I do not recommend using this, ONLY because in my opinion, it doesn't clean your system as well as the others. Give it a try, though, if you'd like. Information and a download can be found HERE, about 1/2 way down the page with a stick of dynamite as an icon next to it.

-Microsoft Anti-Spyware: Saved the best for last! In my opinion, this program is superior to all. I find that Microsoft did a wonderful job making this program, and it is FREE. Very customizable and works wonders on removing some Viruses, any Spyware and any Adware that you may have. Click HERE for the download and more information on it.

VIRUS PROBLEMS?
~ Viruses are the #1 most harmful thing to your computer. It breaches your privacy, and they cause immense problems with your computer. Here's a list of Anti-Virus software that I've tried and liked.

-AVG FREE: A free and useful Anti-Virus program. Comes with free virus updates, email scanner, computer monitering, and more. I've used this program and am currently using it. I like it a lot! Download and more information HERE.

-Avast! AntiVirus: I've used this program many times. I find it very useful, comes with an email scanner and watches your computer even when you don't have it open. Comes with no added programs or bullcrap! Best of all, it's free! Download sites and information HERE.

DANGEROUS PROGRAMS
~ There are some programs out there that tell you to use it to clean your system, but in reality actually harm your computer and could be a virus/trojan/hijacker/or spyware/adware in disguise! Any popups you get saying "Free Virus Scan" or something along the lines of that, is almost always dangerous to your computer. Just be sure to WATCH OUT and be aware of installing programs like that.

The only programs I have installed are Microsoft Anti-Spyware, and AVG Anti-Virus free version.

For people who get constant popups while browsing (or sometimes not) on the web: You shouldn't. Using a safe anti-spyware program will remove anything from your computer that causes them!

If you have any more programs that you'd like to add in here, please feel free to do so. Please make sure though, that it is a genuine program with no added spyware or adware!

-Martz0r

TNathe · 01-05-2006, 07:15 PM

rep points for you sir.

**martz0r** · 01-05-2006, 07:16 PM

Gracias.

I'm just sick of hearing people with their pop up problems and AIM problems. GAH I'm also sick of typing after that.

**martz0r** · 01-05-2006, 09:07 PM

Bump, it is now a sticky!

**Jeff** · 01-06-2006, 12:14 PM

On a side note, just in case people were unaware, MS Anti-Spyware does not detect some forms of spyware/adware, such as Claria - Formally known as Gator. Microsoft has recently purchased Claria and therefore does NOT detect this as adware/spyware, and will leave it alone. If used in conjunction with Ad-aware, I find that this will remove 99% of malicious ad/spyware on your computer.

**martz0r** · 01-07-2006, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cronic

On a side note, just in case people were unaware, MS Anti-Spyware does not detect some forms of spyware/adware, such as Claria - Formally known as Gator. Microsoft has recently purchased Claria and therefore does NOT detect this as adware/spyware, and will leave it alone. If used in conjunction with Ad-aware, I find that this will remove 99% of malicious ad/spyware on your computer.

Thanks,

I didn't know that.

limegreenneon · 01-08-2006, 09:45 PM

Can i give you double rep points

**martz0r** · 01-09-2006, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by limegreenneon

Can i give you double rep points

Sure, if you want to

SnkEatr · 01-15-2006, 03:42 PM

Great Thread, I see this crap all the time. I would add one more program to your list, CCleaner, its not a ad/spy removal tool, just a crap cleaner, it removes temp files, fixes registry entries, etc. There are other forms of malware that the programs you listed will not work on, and these will require professional help or a wipe and reload. Nail/Aurora, regenerative VX2 variants and the like.

SlowAssNeon · 02-19-2006, 10:49 PM

also worth mention is the Yahoo Anti-Spy. its also free, and ive found it to find some things that Ad-Aware doesnt. it also has a pop-up blocker in it as well which ive found does a pretty decent job on doing what its supposed to do (the downside is that it will block any popups you get for private message notices on forums)

**martz0r** · 02-20-2006, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlowAssNeon

also worth mention is the Yahoo Anti-Spy. its also free, and ive found it to find some things that Ad-Aware doesnt. it also has a pop-up blocker in it as well which ive found does a pretty decent job on doing what its supposed to do (the downside is that it will block any popups you get for private message notices on forums)

Why do you even have popups?

BTW I'm pretty sure Yahoo Toolbar (along with many others like Google) also installs 3rd party software with it... Be careful.

mdl9482 · 05-09-2006, 12:48 AM

Actually Yahoo! and Google toolbars are clean as long as you get them from their sites. If they weren't, they wouldn't still be around today...not like that means much considering there is a lot of other spyware and 3rd party malwares out there, but Yahoo and Google are quite reputable...plus I have yet to see a well respected computer guru or representative put it down except for the fact that some people just don't like it. (I'd rather use the Google search tool in Firefox for example)

**martz0r** · 05-14-2006, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdl9482

Actually Yahoo! and Google toolbars are clean as long as you get them from their sites. If they weren't, they wouldn't still be around today...not like that means much considering there is a lot of other spyware and 3rd party malwares out there, but Yahoo and Google are quite reputable...plus I have yet to see a well respected computer guru or representative put it down except for the fact that some people just don't like it. (I'd rather use the Google search tool in Firefox for example)

While I agree to a certain extent; I emailed Google a while back and they confirmed that there's third party bullshit enclosed within their toolbar. "To help our advertisers", they said. Such bullshit, but at least they were honest.

J-Dizzle · 05-15-2006, 10:04 AM

AOL 'S toolbar that sits on your windows bar , has had known spayware and viruse also . just tried removing all AOL from my computer no such luck until Spybot and Adware SE Personal....god they elmiated everything, i have Fiber optic and no now i finally know how fast it is and damn its fast

**TotalChaos** · 05-24-2006, 12:55 AM

any chance of the link for that Microsoft Anti-Spyware one again? I clicked the one you gave originally, and searched.. but couldnt find it.

Silvia · 05-24-2006, 12:57 AM

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

its windows defender now

limegreenneon · 05-24-2006, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whistler

any chance of the link for that Microsoft Anti-Spyware one again? I clicked the one you gave originally, and searched.. but couldnt find it.

They have updated it and changed the name, Here is the link

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...e/default.mspx

limegreenneon · 05-24-2006, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiSSaN ChiCk

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

its windows defender now

You suck, You just beat me to it

**TotalChaos** · 05-24-2006, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiSSaN ChiCk

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

its windows defender now

you da girl!

DriftingDJ · 08-20-2006, 06:03 PM

Here is my cleaning procedure.
1. Clone HD with Norton ghost
2. Boot into user’s machine:
a. Turn off System Restore
b. Turn off Paging File
c. Delete pagefile.sys file (root of C)
d. Delete hiberfil.sys file (root of C)
e. In each profile, turn on view all for folders
3. Hook user’s hard drive to tech machine or another pc and run the following:
a. IMPORTANT TAKE OWNERSHIP PERMISSIONS OF HD AND ALL FOLDERS
b. TrendMicro.com Housecall or Pandasoftware.com online scanner
c. Adaware
d. Microsoft AntiSpyware
4. Go into user’s hard drive and delete the following items from each profile and from Windows directory:
a. Temp folder
b. Temp Internet Files
c. History
d. Desktop.ini
e. Cookies
5. Boot back into user’s computer in Safe Mode logon as Administrator and run the following programs:
a. Take permission ownership of the HD as administrators/users
b. Housecall/Panda (depending on severity of infection)
6. In each profile, run the following programs:
a. Adaware
b. Microsoft AntiSpyware
c. Spybot
d. Bazooka
7. Run msconfig and remove any unnecessary items
8. Run Hijack This and remove any bad items and Reboot
9. Customize Desktop Web settings if there was a desktop hijack
10. Set pagefile to system managed, turn back on system restore to 1%
and create restore point

01-05-2006, 06:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
martz0r Super Moderator	READ: Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus Programs Being on TF's "Technology and Gaming" thread in the last few months, it seems that at least twice a month somebody asks how to remove the AIM hijacker, or other viruses and/ or spyware from their computer. Therefore, I've come to write this post on my opinions of good and bad Anti-Spyware/Adware & Anti-Virus programs. Spyware, Adware, and Viruses are not good for your machine because they not only slow it down, but also install unnecessary programs, cause pop ups while browsing, change your personal settings, and can allow anyone into your computer. AIM PROBLEMS? ~ First of all, for those of you who want to get rid of that annoying AIM hijacker (the one that sends Instant Messages to those who are on your buddy list, telling them to click a link or look at a website), I have relied on an easy solution. AIMFix by Jay Loden. AIMFix removes any known AIM viruses and hijackers very quickly and easily. More information, and a FREE download can be found HERE. It is not a program that you need to install onto your computer, it's a quick, one-step deal. I've found this tool to be the most helpful of any Anti-Spyware programs that I've tried to remove this thing with, mainly because it is strictly for use with this type of virus. SPYWARE/ADWARE ISSUES? ~ It is very easy to obtain Spyware or Adware on your computer without realizing it until it is too late, or sometimes never. They are both very sneaky and can harm your computer without the proper care. Some Spyware/Adware programs that you come across on the internet may say that they help, but there is a lot of ones you need to watch out for. Some programs may LOOK like they work, but in fact carry Spyware, Adware, and Viruses that you don't even notice. For Spyware/Adware I've found these programs to be the most helpful and non-harmful to your system: -Adaware: In my experiences with this program, it's worked very well. It is free, comes with free updates, very personalizable, is not too big of a program (size wise), and is not a big "resource whore" to your PC. It removes known Adware problems as well as some spyware problems. Click HERE for more info, and a free download. -Spybot Search & Destroy: I've previously used this program in sync with Adaware. This is again, a FREE program, doesn't install any unnecessary crap onto your PC, works GREAT, comes with free updates, and allows you to personalize it to your liking. It will scan your computer for any Spyware issues that can be deleted or quarantined. Information and a download can be found HERE at the bottom of that page. -Hijack This: This is a small program that quickly scans your computer for spyware and adware alike. It also checks for system setting changes. I do not recommend using this, ONLY because in my opinion, it doesn't clean your system as well as the others. Give it a try, though, if you'd like. Information and a download can be found HERE, about 1/2 way down the page with a stick of dynamite as an icon next to it. -Microsoft Anti-Spyware: Saved the best for last! In my opinion, this program is superior to all. I find that Microsoft did a wonderful job making this program, and it is FREE. Very customizable and works wonders on removing some Viruses, any Spyware and any Adware that you may have. Click HERE for the download and more information on it. VIRUS PROBLEMS? ~ Viruses are the #1 most harmful thing to your computer. It breaches your privacy, and they cause immense problems with your computer. Here's a list of Anti-Virus software that I've tried and liked. -AVG FREE: A free and useful Anti-Virus program. Comes with free virus updates, email scanner, computer monitering, and more. I've used this program and am currently using it. I like it a lot! Download and more information HERE. -Avast! AntiVirus: I've used this program many times. I find it very useful, comes with an email scanner and watches your computer even when you don't have it open. Comes with no added programs or bullcrap! Best of all, it's free! Download sites and information HERE. DANGEROUS PROGRAMS ~ There are some programs out there that tell you to use it to clean your system, but in reality actually harm your computer and could be a virus/trojan/hijacker/or spyware/adware in disguise! Any popups you get saying "Free Virus Scan" or something along the lines of that, is almost always dangerous to your computer. Just be sure to WATCH OUT and be aware of installing programs like that. The only programs I have installed are Microsoft Anti-Spyware, and AVG Anti-Virus free version. For people who get constant popups while browsing (or sometimes not) on the web: You shouldn't. Using a safe anti-spyware program will remove anything from your computer that causes them! If you have any more programs that you'd like to add in here, please feel free to do so. Please make sure though, that it is a genuine program with no added spyware or adware! -Martz0r Last edited by martz0r : 01-05-2006 at 06:47 PM.

01-05-2006, 07:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
TNathe Registered User	rep points for you sir.

01-05-2006, 07:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
martz0r Super Moderator	Gracias. I'm just sick of hearing people with their pop up problems and AIM problems. GAH I'm also sick of typing after that.

01-05-2006, 09:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
martz0r Super Moderator	Bump, it is now a sticky!

01-06-2006, 12:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jeff They grow up so fast.	On a side note, just in case people were unaware, MS Anti-Spyware does not detect some forms of spyware/adware, such as Claria - Formally known as Gator. Microsoft has recently purchased Claria and therefore does NOT detect this as adware/spyware, and will leave it alone. If used in conjunction with Ad-aware, I find that this will remove 99% of malicious ad/spyware on your computer.

01-08-2006, 09:45 PM	#7 (permalink)
limegreenneon Registered User	Can i give you double rep points

01-15-2006, 03:42 PM	#9 (permalink)
SnkEatr Registered User	Great Thread, I see this crap all the time. I would add one more program to your list, CCleaner, its not a ad/spy removal tool, just a crap cleaner, it removes temp files, fixes registry entries, etc. There are other forms of malware that the programs you listed will not work on, and these will require professional help or a wipe and reload. Nail/Aurora, regenerative VX2 variants and the like.

02-19-2006, 10:49 PM	#10 (permalink)
SlowAssNeon Typical Peon Owner	also worth mention is the Yahoo Anti-Spy. its also free, and ive found it to find some things that Ad-Aware doesnt. it also has a pop-up blocker in it as well which ive found does a pretty decent job on doing what its supposed to do (the downside is that it will block any popups you get for private message notices on forums)

05-09-2006, 12:48 AM	#12 (permalink)
mdl9482 Registered User	Actually Yahoo! and Google toolbars are clean as long as you get them from their sites. If they weren't, they wouldn't still be around today...not like that means much considering there is a lot of other spyware and 3rd party malwares out there, but Yahoo and Google are quite reputable...plus I have yet to see a well respected computer guru or representative put it down except for the fact that some people just don't like it. (I'd rather use the Google search tool in Firefox for example)

05-15-2006, 10:04 AM	#14 (permalink)
J-Dizzle Still Addicted to Boost	AOL 'S toolbar that sits on your windows bar , has had known spayware and viruse also . just tried removing all AOL from my computer no such luck until Spybot and Adware SE Personal....god they elmiated everything, i have Fiber optic and no now i finally know how fast it is and damn its fast

05-24-2006, 12:55 AM	#15 (permalink)
TotalChaos Adapt and overcome	any chance of the link for that Microsoft Anti-Spyware one again? I clicked the one you gave originally, and searched.. but couldnt find it.

05-24-2006, 12:57 AM	#16 (permalink)
Silvia Sofa King Cool!	http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en its windows defender now

08-20-2006, 06:03 PM	#20 (permalink)
DriftingDJ 240LSX	Here is my cleaning procedure. 1. Clone HD with Norton ghost 2. Boot into user’s machine: a. Turn off System Restore b. Turn off Paging File c. Delete pagefile.sys file (root of C) d. Delete hiberfil.sys file (root of C) e. In each profile, turn on view all for folders 3. Hook user’s hard drive to tech machine or another pc and run the following: a. IMPORTANT TAKE OWNERSHIP PERMISSIONS OF HD AND ALL FOLDERS b. TrendMicro.com Housecall or Pandasoftware.com online scanner c. Adaware d. Microsoft AntiSpyware 4. Go into user’s hard drive and delete the following items from each profile and from Windows directory: a. Temp folder b. Temp Internet Files c. History d. Desktop.ini e. Cookies 5. Boot back into user’s computer in Safe Mode logon as Administrator and run the following programs: a. Take permission ownership of the HD as administrators/users b. Housecall/Panda (depending on severity of infection) 6. In each profile, run the following programs: a. Adaware b. Microsoft AntiSpyware c. Spybot d. Bazooka 7. Run msconfig and remove any unnecessary items 8. Run Hijack This and remove any bad items and Reboot 9. Customize Desktop Web settings if there was a desktop hijack 10. Set pagefile to system managed, turn back on system restore to 1% and create restore point