Thread: Spyware

I got Spyware on my PC.
Does anybody know how to get rid of it?

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Originally Posted by kwatts59

I got Spyware on my PC.
Does anybody know how to get rid of it?

Alternatively, you could use Linux.

AdAware will fix the problem too

if u arnt a noob, which, since u have to ask for help getting rid of spyware, u probly are. But if u arnt then u can get 'hijack this'. It shows exactly where the programs are in ur windows folder and registry and stuff. The only reason u have to be not noob is so u dont accidently delete your control panel or something. But if u know what ur doing its the best.

Hijack This is good but since he has to ask how to get rid of spyware he must be even worse than me at computer stuff. So probably won't know which stuff to delete.

So I think you oughto Do google on anything that looks suspicious when you run the Hijack This program and see what you can find out about it before deleting it.

I would definately Do a google for Spybot and download it then run it. Spybot is a free spyware killer made by some geeks that gets high ratings from geeks. That is where I'd start, anyway, with Spybot.

I give both my seal of approval, and I'm a COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR (gasp!)

appologize for being a n00b.

I already downloaded a program called "Noadware". It did a scan but when I clicked on "remove items" it said I must register and pay $29.99.

I also downloaded and ran XoftSpy and it did a scan for about 1 HOUR, then when it was done, it said I have to register and pay $39.95.

I also tried "Spyware Doctor" and same thing and costs $29.95.

The only software that did not charge was Saibots suggestion but unfotunately it did not fix my problem.

There is a file in my Temp directory called se.dll. I am certain this is the culprit. I tried to delete it but it says access denied. I tried writing a DOS script to delete the file; I put the script in my "Startup" directory; and I rebooted. But by the time the script got executed, the file was already locked. I remember many years ago there was a file called "autoexec.bat" or "config.sys" or something similar that gets executed prior to system services startup. I cannot seem to find these files in the Windows XP OS.

Anyway, I find it repulsive that I have to pay to have a flaw in the operating system fixed. If I have to pay for it, I will, but I would appreciate any cheaper suggestions.

Garbageclean an online cleaner might be worth a go.

IT is free also and worked for me . Google for it.

Originally Posted by kwatts59

appologize for being a n00b.

I already downloaded a program called "Noadware". It did a scan but when I clicked on "remove items" it said I must register and pay $29.99.

I also downloaded and ran XoftSpy and it did a scan for about 1 HOUR, then when it was done, it said I have to register and pay $39.95.

I also tried "Spyware Doctor" and same thing and costs $29.95.

Anyway, I find it repulsive that I have to pay to have a flaw in the operating system fixed. If I have to pay for it, I will, but I would appreciate any cheaper suggestions.

About 95% make you download it and take the time to scan before asking you to pay.

Sometimes I think it's the program developers of those things that are actually the creators of spyware since only certain programs can remove certain spyware/adware...

Adware and Spybot are trustworthy though, as long as you don't run them at the same time.

Sometimes if you search for the name of the suspected file you can find manual instructions to get rid of them.

As for the se.dll thing, that can be removed if you get HijackThis and follow these instructions.

To delete the suspected file you can create a boot floppy, boot with it and then delete it without windows loaded. To create a boot floppy:


http://windows.about.com/od/tipsarchive/l/bltip574.htm


Search
Focus on Windows
Focus on Windows
Windows XP Tip of the Day
Tip #574: Create Windows XP Boot Floppy

Windows 9x/ME users will not be surprised by this tip, but Windows NT/2000 users will be relieved to hear that Windows XP includes the ability to easily create a boot floppy. In previous versions of NT/2000, which XP is built upon, you had to look to other operating systems if you needed to boot to a floppy disk.


To create a bootable floppy, simply put a disk in the floppy drive, and right-click the drive from Windows Explorer or from My Computer. From the context menu that appears, click on "Format..." When the Format 3 1/2 Floppy window that appears, check (click) the box next to "Create an MS-DOS startup disk." The computer will take it from there, and will place the necessary boot files on the floppy disk.

Tip-within-a-tip: Your new boot floppy won't really boot to Windows XP. When you boot to it, and end up with an A:> prompt, type "ver" without the quotes and press enter. It's actually Windows Millennium that you're running!




Good luck,
Scott