Is this spyware?

[saxy_jag]

Something called SpyDawn has found its way onto my laptop. It links to a website where you're supposed to be able to perform a free scan and then download the software (paid-for or not, I don't know, and don't really care as I'm not going to do so).

I've downloaded AdAware to try and eke it out and get rid of it, and ran a virus check, but it wasn't picked up. I still have this annoying little flashing icon on the notification bar with periodic pop-up balloon that makes itsself look like the Windows security alert (only it isn't).

I've tried going to the taskbar properties menu and setting it to 'always hide', which worked fine for yesterday's session, but it's back again and now I can't hide it.

So I want to know, a) is it spyware, and b) how can I get rid of it?

I'm running XP Home, by the way.

[LeMarchand]

Yes it is.

Running Ad-Aware while your machine is in Safe Mode may well rid you of it, if not: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic81 275.html

[heathfield]

'Smitfraudfix' is excellent at getting rid of those irritating nasties that other anti-spyware programs miss. And it's free!

[saxy_jag]

Thank you both very much. I've found the website and the instructions, and the Smitfraudfix download, so I'm going to have a go with everything later.