Can anyone solve this little dilema?

from WinCustomize Forums
I'm not very good at computing or anything and this probably sounds really ignorant but why don't anti-virus programs delete the adware i've got on my computer. The same adware comes up every time I try to use the antivirus program. I use Norton anti-virus by the way.
21,126 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
AdWare isn't really considered a virus. Adware comes with a lot of 'free' programs and if you just breeze through the EULA and installation, you basically agree to let them install on your computer.
Try an adware/spyware program like SpyBot Search & Destroy (watch out for knock offs, you want Patrick M Kolla's) or AdAware. One is free, the other has a free version that works pretty good.

There are earlier posts here discussing anti-adware programs, and I'm sure someone else will come along and post some more info here.
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
Also, if you're having major issues with Spyware all the time, try installing the beta of Microsoft's Anti-Spyware. It's free and seems to work pretty well. I'm not sure if it'll get rid of the filth you've already got, but it should help prevent new stuff from appearing.
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
Ah, Yarlen beat me to it...
In any case I have had GREAT success with the Microsoft Anti-Spyware beta. I recently used it on my Dad's and a freinds computer. Both were over run with spyware (contant pop-ups for porn in any website, browser hijacks, etc...).

The MS Anti-Spyware beta cleaned them both and prevented several hijack attempts during the process. It detected some spyware that SPyBot S&D and AdAware (free) did not... Of coarse, SpyBot and AdAware picked up things the MS beta did not as well.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
No one spyware program will detect everything. While I don't personally use Windows, I always set up my friend's Windows boxes with Adaware and Spybot Search & Destroy as this combo seems to be very effective as each catches some things the other doesn't.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
thanx everybody for the comments. The only problem i hav is that i dont hav broadband and i expect that most of these programs are pretty big
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Microsoft's Antispyware program is not large:

File Name: MicrosoftAntiSpywareInstall.exe
Download Size: 6374 KB
Date Published: 2/16/2005
Version: Beta


here is a direct link to the download: Link

Raymond