spyware...adware

[MURKY]

i downloaded spyware doctor it found 2000 adware and spyware files but each time the comp crashes so i can't remove them anyone know any other programs i could use?

[LostSheep]

Hi MURKY,  I use a program called Ad Aware which can be downloaded for free from:

http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10399602.html?tag=lst-0-2

Very fast and with regular updates

[Ray the DJ]

Another excellent program is SpySubtract get it from:
http://intermute.com/
If some trojans and spyware are crashing windows because you're trying to delete them SpySubtract will delete the culprits in dos mode the next time you boot-up.

[nfn]

mozilla/firefox combi is good

[d0gsb0dy]

I should forget Spyware Doctor if I were you. Any programme which finds spyware and then asks you to pay before removing it, has to be suspect. There are plenty of threads on the web in this vein. The two which I use, both open-source, are SpywareBlaster and Spybot Search and Destroy. You just have to ensure that you keep them updated, as with any similar utility. I also use AdAware, but I have a subscription version.

[dodgyshirt]

Spyware Doctor is not a suspect programme, it just isn't freeware.However, recent tests found it to be the most effective stand-alone anti-spyware programme available.

As with any of these programmes, its advisable to run a full scan with the PC in safe mode.

If it found 2000 infestations, I'm amazed that your PC works at all.

[d0gsb0dy]

Dodgyshirt. I think you're right, there. I was confusing it with Spykiller, which is definitely suspect. As a matter of interest, I just downloaded and ran Spyware Doctor and it came up with one trackingt cookie on a full scan. Says a lot for my open-source protection. Most of the stuff which is sold can be equalled, and in many cases bettered, by freeware. I use Avast anti-virus, Sywell firewall, CW Shredder, BHO Demon, Spywareblaster and Spybot Search and Destroy. The only utilities which I have paid for are Registry Medic and AdAware plus. No need to pay for most protection utilities.

[dodgyshirt]

d0gsb0dy I use Spyware Doctor.Webroot Spysweeper, Adaware,Microsofts Spyware Beta for malware. A recent survey showed that Spyware Doctor was the best one used in isolation and the very best combination of these still only picked up 70% of deliberately installed malware on a PC so I think we are fighting a losing battle anyway.

I used to use Avast and always recommended it on this site until one day its freeware disadvantage caught up with me big style when I caught the Serflog virus because the virus definitions weren't updated as swiftly as commercially available products.

I now use McAfee's full Security Suite for antivirus, firewall etc but must admit that the only programme I have actually paid for is Registry Medic and I have reservation about the effectiveness of that .

[d0gsb0dy]

dodgyshirt. Avast seems to update on a daily basis these days, well most days. As for Registry Medic, you can compare using it to wondering if the light is still on when you close the fridge door. As you infer, whether it is as effective as is claimed, we will probably never know.
I gather from your post (Registry Medic is the only one you have paid for) that McAfee was free? Tell me more!