Ad-Aware - a very simple and effective program that scans RAM, registry, and hard drive for spyware, adware, malware, etc etc. This program is the most popular removal program and it's a must-have. Be sure to keep your reference file up to date. It's just like an AV: if you don't tell it what to look for, it can't find it!
Spybot - Search & Destroy - essentially serves the same purpose as the above. It also has some other features like covering up your web usage tracks, "file shredder" to make sure everything's gone for good, and a time-saving online update feature.
Hijack This - instead of targeting specific programs, this one lists the contents of key areas of the registry and hard drive. It's continually updated to detect and remove new hijacks. This one is a little more advanced so if you don't know what you're doing, you should post it here for evaluation before you go on a deleting rampage.
There are lots more but these are the more well-known ones.. Feel free to share with us your favorite proggie :)
Some other apps that make life generally easier:
Ashampoo WinOptimizer Platinum Suite - I've never actually tried this one but it got some good reviews and it seems to be really popular on download.com. Here's the publisher's description:
Registry Clean Expert - this one does just what the title suggests: it scans the registry and cleans up for you. A lot of programs will leave little snippets of data in the registry and over time it can add up. If you're worried about it messing up your system, don't worry--there's a backup/restore feature as well.Quote:
This program delivers faster, easier, safer, and more thorough Windows cleanup performance than before. New features include an integrated IP spam blocker, optimized access to Ashampoo PopUp Blocker, optimized folder cleaning for the File Wiper module, optimized exception handling for the Drive Cleaner module, and multilanguage support for English, German, Hungarian, French, Dutch, and Swedish. The Platinum Suite is divided into eight modules: Drive Cleaner, Registry Cleaner, Internet Cleaner, DLL Cleaner, Internet Tuner, StartUp Tuner, File Wiper, and File Associator. Free up valuable space on your hard drive. Speed up general system performance. Avoid the need to reinstall Windows. The File Wiper module permanently deletes files and folders.
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(EDIT) Here are some add-ons recommended by others:
SpywareGuard - AngelicKnight
SpywareBlaster - AngelicKnight
Norton Antivirus 2004 - THEJRC
(I searched "symantec corporate" but didn't find much... You'll have to find it for yourself :p)
nihil's advice:
PestPatrol - OverdueSpyQuote:
All I would add is update AdAware, &SpyBot then reboot and run them in safe mode. Also with SpyBot, run the immunisation option.
System Mechanic 4.0 Pro - JohnHACK
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Hopefully some newbs will read this... I've seen too many people who post here about problems and just get linked back to the same programs thread after thread. If they would install these tools beforehand they could save themselves and us trouble.
Again, if there are any significant ones I've left out post 'em!
That's all for now,
mjk
