Spyware Removers
Most of these utilities have been mentioned elsewhere on Martha's web, but since spyware is becoming more and more of a problem I decided to list those programs here as well. Something to be aware about; do NOT use a search engine to find a spyware remover. Too many of the sites listed will not be the best although they will claim they are.
I suggest you use Ad-aware and Spybot Search and Destroy. They both do a pretty good job of finding and removing spyware, and they are free. Ad-aware has a paid version as well. You do need to use both of them, what one finds the other may miss. In order for these programs to operate efficiently, they have to be updated frequently. I check for updates every time I run them. Another good spyware remover is SUPERAntiSpyWare Free Edition. Microsoft has a spyware remover named Windows Defender. I highly recommend this tool as well.
I also suggest you use
SpywareBlaster
and SpywareGuard.
They also need to be updated, but SpywareGuard doesn't have frequent
updates.
Here is what the website for SpywareBlaster has to say: "SpywareBlaster
doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents it from ever being
installed." SpywareGuard acts just like your virus scanner, but for spyware!
Since the problem of spyware and hijackers has been escalating rapidly, I have decided to run a commercial program as well. There are a lot of them to choose from and some of them are spyware as well. Spyware Warrior has a great site for letting us know which programs are safe and which are not. Some of the programs are just rip-offs of the good guys. So if you decide to purchase a spyware remover, check here before you buy! This is one time you should NOT use Google!
All of these programs together are a great arsenal for the cyber war, but they must be kept updated to work. One more thing of note, sometimes a program may stop working after running, so always keep the option to 'undo' changes. Just read this article on PC Mag!
Microsoft® Windows® Malicious Software Removal Tool
This tool does not install on your computer, but runs when you go to Windows
Update after you select the tool. Read all about it on Microsoft's site.
Please note; This tool works only on Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2000, and
Windows Server 2003. There is also an online version,
Malicious Software Removal Tool Online Version. You will need to verify
that you have a genuine version of Windows before the tool will scan.
Important note!
The websites that provide the programs most of us use to prevent spyware and hijackers from running on our computers have been under attack by the spyware and hijack writers. Sometimes the sites get taken down and/or have to move. If you are unable to get to the sites to download these programs, you can join this Yahoo group and get access to files.