Any other good programs. like Ad-Aware and Spybot, that get rid of spyware?

Factual Questions
1

There seems to be a bit of spy-ware or something that is downloaded into my computer. There is a little Search bar in IE and different “Spyware Removers” keeps popping up in my program files. I also noticed today that there was a “New Netscape” icon on my desktop. I’ve ran Ad-Aware and Spybot dozens of times and they can’t get rid of whatever is causing the problem. Can anyone recommend some programs that might be able to help?

2

I use Spy Sweeper in addition to AdAware and Spybot. Easy to configure. You can try it free and buy the full package later, if you desire.

3

I also like Bazooka.

It’s just a scanner; not a cleaner. But it seems like that allows them to update for the new stuff more quickly. It’s coverage seems pretty good.

It finds the stuff and gives you a link to information and instructions (if available) on how to remove it. Although sometimes the instructions are like “run AdAware with update xxx”.

4

If you haven’t updated your spyware definitions for adaware and/or spybot lately, that would be a good idea.

Unfortnately, spyware makers have started the extremely slimy practice (as if their ‘business’ wasn’t slimy enough to begin with) of making spyware programs which claim to be spyware removers. See this story for more information. If you’re considering any other spyware removers, it would behoove you to do a few minutes of googling to make sure it isn’t itself spyware.

If you feel comfortable working in the registry, try some of the stuff mentioned here.

A few things you can do to protect yourself from reinfection:

  1. Install and use a browser (any browser) other then Internet Explorer. Many spyware programs install themselves through security flaws in IE. I personally recommend Mozilla. In addition to the lack of security flaws, there’s a built-in popup blocker (Edit->Preferences->Privacy and Security->Popup Windows)
  2. If you have to use IE, get a popup blocker you can trust. Personally, I use the google toolbar for my work PC (since they won’t let me install mozilla).
  3. If confronted with a “Would you like to install and run Program ZZZ” dialog, always say NO, unless it’s something you’ve specifically requested.
5

I use Spyware Blaster it help prevent identified spyware from being installed in the first place. Get the latest updates. CW Shredder is also been used to remove Cool Search variants. I made the switch to the Firebird browser and it is pretty good.

6

Me too re SpyBot and Adaware), then heard about Spy Sweeper at this site. Bought it for my daughter who was having problems with her PC.

It has done well for her.

Try the free download.

Incidentally, as Spy Sweeper scans your computer you get a countdown (e.g., 20 minutes to go, etc.) which I haven’t seen in other such software. Nice little feature.