DO NOT use Spybot search & Destroy... it can damage your PC.
SOURCE:
http://www.bluecollarpc.net/pcsafety.html
Ad-Aware [working-freeware, personal use - and premium version]
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
Ad-Aware Personal provides advanced protection from known data-mining, aggressive advertising, Trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components. This software is downloadable free of charge for personal use.
Microsoft AntiSpyware is now Windows Defender
[working-freeware from Microsoft]
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
Windows Defender is a free program that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software. It features Real-Time Protection, a monitoring system that recommends actions against spyware when it's detected, and a new streamlined interface that minimizes interruptions and helps you stay productive.
SUPERAntiSpyware [working-freeware, and premium version]
http://www.superantispyware.com/
SUPERAntiSpyware scans your computer for known Spyware, Adware, Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, HiJackers and many other types of threats, and allows you to remove or quarantine them. It offers daily (manual) definition updates, as well as home page hijack protection and customizable scan options. Furthermore, the program includes a Repair feature that allows you to restore various settings which are often changed by malware programs, but usually not corrected by simply removing the parasite. The free version lacks real-time blocking and protection as well as several other advanced options.
a-squared trojan remover (Free Working Version for life and Proactive Premium Version)
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/
a-squared (a-squared) is a complementary product to antivirus software and desktop firewalls on MS Windows computers. Antivirus software specializes in detecting classic viruses. Many available products have weaknesses in detecting other malicious software (Malware) like Trojans, Dialers, Worms and Spyware (Adware). a-squared fills the gap that malware writers exploit. Automatic updates: In a-squared Free the updater must be run manually. The auto-update feature of a-squared Personal checks hourly for new available updates and installs them automatically. a-squared Free is freeware! You can download and use it completely for free. You are also allowed to distribute it to third parties. To be able to use it, you only must set up a free a-squared Account, to get access to the update server. (Note you register by simple sign up to activate definitions downloads free).
a-squared Anti-Dialer [working-freeware]
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/antidialer/
No chance for the Dialer rip off! Protect your PC with a-squared Anti-Dialer from manipulated dial up connections, which can cause a phone bill of several hundred dollars quickly. a-squared Anti-Dialer provides a complete defense against Dialers. Scan all files on your harddisks for Dialer behavior using the Dialer scanner. The integrated background guard protects the PC from new infections. As soon as a potential Dialer creates or manipulates a dial up connection, the a-squared Anti-Dialer will alert it.
CWShredder [working-freeware, install this! worst known threat, only known solution available]
http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html
CWShredder finds and destroys traces of CoolWebSearch. CoolWebSearch is a name given to a wide range of different browser hijackers. Though the code is very different between variants, they are all used to redirect users to coolwebsearch.com and other sites affiliated with its operators. Learn More: http://www.intermute.com/cwshredder/learn_more_cwshredder.html
(Note: CoolWebSearch has been reported as the worst, and the CWShredder is the only known true remover for all traces, variants - and is constantly updated. CWSredder has been aquired by Trend Micro AntiSpyware now but is still free as a stand alone program from them. Take a look at the extensive variants list of the CoolWebSearch toolbar browser hijacker at CA Spyware Information Center......):
CA Spyware Information Center (List of CWS variants)
http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/pest/pest.aspx?id=453076035
Trend Micro RootkitBuster (popular) [working-freeware]
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/Trend-Micro-Rootkit-Buster.shtml
Trend Micro RootkitBuster is a rootkit scanner that offers ability to scan for drivers, registry entries, processes, hidden files and hooked system service. Trend Micro RootkitBuster also includes the cleaning capability for hidden files and registry entries. License: Freeware / OS: Windows All
Sophos Anti-Rootkit (popular) [working-freeware]
http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/sophos-anti-rootkit.html
Eliminates hidden applications and processes. Removing rootkits without compromising system integrity is particularly challenging and needs to be done with care. Our free software, Sophos Anti-Rootkit, finds and removes any rootkit that is hidden on your computer.
GMer Free Rootkit Scanner
http://www.gmer.net/
Download: http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,64192-order,1-page,1/description.h
License Type: Free Operating Systems: Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP
RegSeeker [working-freeware] (One of world's best registry cleaners)
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/regseeker.html
RegSeeker is a handy tool for managing several popular registry items and searching the registry by keyword. It offers quick access to Startup Entries, Uninstall Information, Color Schemes, History items (URLs, Recent Documents etc) and IE Favorites. The program also includes a registry cleaning feature that finds invalid and unused registry entries, allowing you to delete them. RegSeeker can automatically create a backup before deleting any registry entries. The program comes with an attractive, easy to use interface. Nevertheless it is not intended for complete beginners and you should feel comfortable working with the Windows registry before using it.
SCREENSHOT: (Or just click PC Softwares tab, left margin):
http://d1801000.u31.ourinternet.us/images/regseeker.gif
BHODemon - utility [working-freeware]
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,23611,00.asp
Internet Explorer has a nasty habit of allowing so-called Browser Helper Objects (or BHOs) to install themselves into IE. Some BHOs are helpful, like the Google Toolbar, but others (especially those planted by viruses or spyware) can be malicious and harmful. BHODemon gives you a quick look at the BHOs installed on your PC, tells you whether a specific BHO is known to be safe or harmful, and gives you the ability to enable or disable individual BHOs with a single mouse click.
a-squared HiJackFree [working-freeware]
http://www.hijackfree.com/en/
a-squared Home: http://www.emsisoft.com/en/
a-squared HiJackFree is a detailed system analysis tool which helps advanced users to detect and remove all types of HiJackers, Spyware, Adware, Trojans and Worms. (Note this is the superior alternative to HiJackThis for advanced users with instant analysis online).
AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition [working-freeware]
Download, Information at this website :
http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html
http://www.grisoft.com/
AVG Free Edition is the well-known antivirus protection tool. AVG Free is available free of charge to home users for the life of the product. Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers. AVG Free is easy to use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements). Highlights include automatic update functionality, the AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run, free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product, and AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files.
ClamWin Free Antivirus [Open Source - working freeware]
http://www.clamwin.com/
ClamWin is a Free Antivirus for Microsoft Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and 2003. ClamWin Free Antivirus comes with an easy installer (and open source code). You may download and use it absolutely free of charge. It features: High detection rates for viruses and spyware; Scanning Scheduler; Automatic downloads of regularly updated Virus Database. Standalone virus scanner and right-click menu integration to Microsoft Windows Explorer; Addin to Microsoft Outlook to remove virus-infected attachments automatically. The latest version of Clamwin Free Antivirus is 0.88.2.3 . Please note that ClamWin Free Antivirus does not include an on-access real-time scanner. You need to manually scan a file in order to detect a virus or spyware.
Avast AntiVirus Home Edition [working-freeware]
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
Free avast! 4 Home Edition. avast! 4 Home Edition is a full-featured antivirus package designed exclusively for home users and non-commercial use. Institutions (even non-commercial ones) are not allowed to use avast! Home Edition. However, ALWIL Software provides the full line of avast! antivirus products at special discount prices for non-profit, charity, educational and government institutions. Please see our price lists for details.