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. Some of the programs listed could actually be spyware!
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. If you use these programs, update them every time before you scan. Read the tutorial for Spybot.
Another good spyware remover is SUPERAntiSpyWare Free Edition. This program does run in the background.
Malwarebytes removes some tough to remove spyware and is my choice of spyware removers.
Microsoft has a spyware remover named Windows Defender.
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!
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, Vista 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.
Webroot's SpySweeper The writers at PC World rate it really high in comparison to the other 'Best Defenders' in this comprehensive article. Another site that rates SpySweeper as the best is 5starsupport
Another spyware removal program that has great standings is CounterSpy from Sunbelt Software. CounterSpy is available as a free 15 day trial that removes what it finds. They also have the popular firewall, Kerio, and a spam removal program, iHateSpam.
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. It is a good idea to download and install your choices now, BEFORE you get a malware infection!