Spyware Issues?

Ryan Freeland · 11-14-2007, 03:19 PM

Ok, here's the deal. I've never had to deal with any spyware/virus issues since I got this Windows XP computer 3.5 years ago. The anti-spyware software I have (PestPatrol) has always done it's job if I notice a popup here or there.

Right now, I'm getting an influx of IE advertisement windows. I can also here the "clicking" noise in the background when one opens. I've run virus and spyware checks, and I've also cleared all my cookies and such with CCleaner.

When I terminate IE (using ctrl+alt+del), it starts back up again.

Help?

+SEAL+ · 11-14-2007, 05:36 PM

Use Firefox.

Actually...that's seriously my advice. IE is riddled with problems.

Ryan Freeland · 11-14-2007, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by +SEAL+

Use Firefox.

Actually...that's seriously my advice. IE is riddled with problems.

Um, I use Firefox exclusively.

I haven't used IE for years. In fact, I have absolutely no idea where all this came from.

I downloaded AAW, and everytime I try to run it, my computer restarts. I'll try another program..

Ryan Freeland · 11-14-2007, 07:09 PM

Spyware is quite tricky. I tried installing 3 major anti-spyware programs and all were shut down during installation. I updated Pest Patrol and it found a bunch of spyware..

So I'm going to use it and see what happens.

**DaGeek** · 11-14-2007, 10:47 PM

Are you familiar enough with malware and the like to try a program like Hijackthis, if you know of it? If not, there may be a user or two competent enough with this junk to tell you what's good or bad. I could probably pinpoint a few, but I haven't kept up to date on that stuff, so I wouldn't fully trust myself. Any idea what the specific spyware is called?

Ryan Freeland · 11-15-2007, 08:52 PM

Looks like I have a trojan in addition to the spyware, which has been mostly removed. Unfortunately, my Norton subscription ended in 2005, and I never renewed it because I never had virus problems.

Hmm. Any free anti-virus programs out there?

PatrickStar4491 · 11-15-2007, 08:56 PM

AVG is a good free antivirus.

Ryan Freeland · 11-15-2007, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatrickStar4491

AVG is a good free antivirus.

I started installing it 5 minutes before I saw this post.

Thanks.

**surferdude9375** · 11-17-2007, 08:25 PM

If that does not float your boat I personally love avast! anti-virus programs. Works great for my needs and it won't bog down your computer in resources.

gtrdave · 11-18-2007, 05:23 AM

AVG or Avast for viruses.
Spybot Search and Destroy for Spyware.
Adaware for adware.
Use Firefox w/ ******** and Ad-blocker add-ons.
Don't surf where you're not supposed to.

Ryan Freeland · 11-18-2007, 08:36 AM

Ok, with the combo of AVG and Spybot, it looks like about 99% of everything is gone.

There is only the occasional pop-up ad here and there. But, the virus screwed it up pretty bad. It has blocked my access to the control panel and the clock. I'm going to back everything up and do a reformat. It probably needs it anyway.

Thanks guys.