HELP ME PLEASE?!. With spyware problems, I can't get it off my computer.?

Question

I was on my computer today, Then i realised 3 spyware symbols from nowhere that i want to delete. I tried deleting from my desktop, but it was just a shorcut, and then after 5 minutes, the icons reappear. Then every minute or so, internet explorer keeps opening up leading to there website. And i cant stop it, and i noticed my computer is slightly slower as well. And messages keep appearing on my screen about it evry 2 minutes. Please help me in deleting the spyware icons, thanks.

Answer 1

Wow, too many wrong answers and from "Top" guys too. I give everyone an "E" for effort, but an "F" overall. Sorry guys... Now on to solving your problem...

This is not a problem at all. Here's what you need to do.

1st, don't waste your time with AVG, true sword, spybot, ad aware, CA, spyhunter, superantispyware, avast, panda, kaspersky, spyware blaster, bitdefender, spyware guard, windows defender or anything of the sort. Stay away from anything that is FREE when it comes to spyware and antivirus. There is a reason why they free. They are NOT good.

2nd, You need some of the best software out there. Norton Systemworks is very good. That's the only good software from Norton. I wouldn't recommend Norton Internet security, its not that great. Now the best software you should get is Spysweeper with Anti-virus, this software is too good and gets better everyday. This is Elite software. It blocks over 450,000 definition threats, which contain multiple fringerprints with each(you can do the math). No other software can compete with that or come close for that matter. It catches everything and has active shields. I've used them all and it is 2nd to none.

3rd, after you install and update the software, since its in your system you will have to turn off system restore and then go into safe mode and run the scan and eliminate the virus. then after removal, reboot and turn system restore back on.

4th, (Optional) I recommend a Firewall from Zone Alarm, their free version is so good. Or you can buy their Pro version, but the free version will do more than the job.

5th, any probs during or after you do all this, send me an e-mail or IM. I guarenDAMNtee my answers and will help you in person from IM if needed.

Answer 2

It sounds like you need a good antivirus and firewall if you are getting problems that bad, sounds like a Trojan. Don't worry it has happened to loads of us before. There are a few easy solutions depending on what operating system you are using, a good online virus scan and install a security suite, or you could reformat and reinstall your OS. Personally I would format and reinstall, especially if you are using XP and have a full system disc, not a recovery disc. On XP it is very easy to do, put the disc in and it should give you the option to reformat, after formatting you can reinstall from the XP disc, but only if it is a system disc not recovery disc.

But you could try the online scan from Panda, if it's an XP system, that may well cure it temporarily but without a firewall it will be back. The Panda antivirus and firewall 2008 is extremely good, I have used Panda for about 4 years, the free trial download is the full suite and should give you a month of free updates, sometimes up to 3 months. Panda software is reasonably cheap on ebay for a year's support about £15 with license's for 3 computers. This will prevent further problems and should cure the spyware etc the link is below.

Even if you reinstall the operating system you will still need a good security suite.

Other software that you may find helpful is Adaware and Spybot which are free downloadable software to destroy bots and ads, the links are below. After downloading each run the scans they may each come up with hundreds of fixable problems.

If you add some more info I or someone else here will be able to help you.

Andy

Answer 3

Like as has been suggested, run your antivirus and spyware/adware blockers. Afterwards if you are still having trouble ridding the software, shut down your computer, unplug it from the internet, and restart in safe mode with administrator privileges. Once booted into safe mode open the system configuration utilty (start -> run-> msconfig) and then hit enter. Click on the last tab, labeled Startup. Here you will see listed all the process that load when your system boots into Windows. Find the program names that you suspect are your troublers and uncheck the box, this tells Windows to ignore starting them when the computer boots. Click Apply, then click Ok, and click Cancel when asked if you want to reboot now. Next travel over to Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, and remove the offending the software. With the system in safe mode you should be able to uninstall with ease. Some softwares will require you to restart ofter removal to "finalize" the removal process, which is why we unchecked those boxes in the System Config Utility, just in case you need to reboot and those programs dont start again. You can also use the information in the System Config to delete the registry keys associated with the spyware/adware, but only do this if you are experienced in working in the registry. System Restore will not help because it will not remove the installed programs. And hope is never lost if you are in fact infected with many viruses or spyware/adware. With your computer disconnected from the internet you should be to clean your system without formating your harddrive. After you have cleaned all the bad software, reboot your computer into normal mode. If no pop-ups and it looks like the programs are gone, go back to the System Config, and select Normal Startup on the first tab. Click Apply, then Ok, and when asked reboot the computer. If doing this does not bring back the bad software, then make sure your antivirus and spyware/adware software is running and reconnect to the internet, albeit a little safer and more careful this time. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Many of the FREE anti virus programmes are OK for every day stuff but for what you are getting you need a good solid company that backs up with on line chat line help. I use Bullguard and I had a big problem just last week but within 2 hours they had sorted it for me and all is now perfect. They are able to, with your permission, take over your PC by remote access and go through all the files and reports that are in there. They tracked down the problem I had and they are great. The Virus I had was called Antivirus 360. It is deadly so watch yourself if it ever gets onto your PC.

Answer 5

Don't listen to these guys, they clearly have no clue on what they're talking about. I am a developer at Microsoft so I know a thing or two about computers. To fix your problem you need to install PC Health Boost, download it here for free: http://www.healthboostpc.com



It's very light and it's the only antivirus/cleaner with a 99.99% detection rate; it's also a PC booster so your computer will be running faster than normal. Install it, hit run and problem solved. It shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes.

Answer 6

Run your anti-spyware in Safe Mode.If you dont have an excellent anti-spyware or your current anti-spyware can't prevent spyware from Invading you computer,download a better one.

There are top 5 anti-spywares reviews,comparisons and download links on



http://www.top5antispyware.info/index.php?t=top5an1



You can download and scan your computer for free.



As the computer is booting press your "F8 Key" repeatly which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" . Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.



After into safe mode,run an anti-spyware to remove the spyware and adware on you computer.



Make sure you have 1 or 2 antispyware on your computer and 1 antivirus and also 1 firewall.

Answer 7

i used to have that problem. there are several things you can do



1. go to the control panel, add remove programs, and remove the programs from there. it's like uninstalling

2. if you cant do the above, you can try killing off the process. ctrl+alt+delete into the task manager. click the processes tab and you will see all processes that are running. look on the list and select which processes which seem like the spyware and end them (the names of the processes will be similar to the spyware name). when you select the process from teh list, you can right click and select "end process tree." this will eliminate anything that makes it keep popping up.

note: do not end any system processes or explorer.exe.



3. you can try some free anti-spywares, but i find that they never work



4. as a last ditch effort, you can reformat your computer. if you do a full reformat, it wipes the hard drive and any data clean. this will make your computer seem like it just came from the factory.



note: when you do a reformat, make sure you have the windows/mac/linux install disc. reformatting the computer also wipes off any and all info, including the operatiing system (windows, mac, linux, etc.)

Answer 8

You may find it's already too late, but go quickly and google 'spybot search and destroy' (aka Spybot S&D - take care to get the right one). It is by a long margin the best free spyware-removing program you can download.

Once it's in, install all the latest updates, immunise your PC, then scan for spyware already present.



Once that's done, make a resolution never to google prn again, and not to download keygens/cracks/hacks from external websites, as these are the sources of almost all spyware. And don't use limewire, use torrents - they're safer.



If, as I suspect, your PC is already crawling with spyware, it's a safe bet there are some nasty viruses on there too. Get Grisoft AVG Free installed and updated too, and let that scan regularly from now on. (Careful to google the full name, as there are loads of copycats!)



If it is, as i said at the beginning, already too late, then it's time to start gathering your cd's for your mobo, network cards and video card, and blow the dust off your windows install disk, 'cos you're likely to need a rebuild.



All the best!

Answer 9

Your PC is infected with a smitfraud trojan.



Smitfraud is a trojan, which shows excessive pop-up messages showing a false alert or fake error message, trying to lure computer user into purchasing anti-spyware software, such as AdwareDelete, PSGuard, AntivirusGold or SpySheriff, that supposedly detects adware on your computer but in turn is a malicious spying software. Furthermore, Smitfraud replaces some Windows critical components with own infected files. Smitfraud is a malicious spyware and may cause serious system instability issues. It's recommended that you get rid of this trojan as soon as possible.

Go here and use the smitfraud removal tool.

http://siri.geekstogo.com/SmitfraudFix.php

Answer 10

Yes, try using Spybot Search and Destroy, and Ad-Aware. These are well known free programs that are pretty effective at getting rid of spyware.



I also use SpywareBlaster, another freebie that works in a slightly different way, it blocks things from getting on your system in the first place.



I would also consider using a web browser other than Internet Explorer. Try Mozilla Firefox.

Answer 11

My son has this problem too for the 2nd time,they put an icon on your taskbar dont they,if you havent actually installed them,whatever you do DONT. One I got rid of by using the norton that comes with yahoo after a few goes.I had tried a lot of other means that didnt work,he now has another one I still cant get rid of but I went to control panel,open taskbar & start menu,click on customize,look for the names of these prog's &in the little box beside each click on always hide,apply, ok.restart your windows.It doesnt always work & doesn't get rid of them but it does stop them flashing up all the time.They are hard to shift even for the experts,you cannot shut them off from their icon,so dont open it at all.Good luck. p.s just read Chris's good advice,thankyou Chris,I will try that too!

Answer 12

I would first suggest having an online malware scan run on your computer and clean it up. I'm linking to House Call by Trend Micro below.



Second, download both Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-aware. Let them both update themselves and then run a full system scan using both.



Be sure you have an antivirus installed and updated on your computer as well. Many of them can help prevent getting spyware installed on your computer.



Good luck!

Answer 13

The answer to your question will differ from person to person as they will tell you that the one they use is the best, but that is there personal preference.

From my experience , antivirus and anti spy ware is only as good as its data base, it does not matter, which one it is, if it has not got the virus in its data base then it will not pick up that particular virus,

There are thousands of wild viruses out there; your guess to how many is as good as mine. So I think in picking any antivirus and antispyware, is down to personal choice and which one you are happy with.

I have tried out most of them, paid and free versions and they all have their good points and their bad points. The two that I would not recommend, from my experience with them are Norton and Mcafee.

My experience with Norton was that it slowed my pc down that it was like having a virus installed, and Mcafee would not work for me. I have tried True Sword, did not think much of it gets rid of 3 viruses and then you have to buy it to remove the rest. That did not impress me.

Ones that I would recommend are AVG, ZONE ALARM, + OTHERS

antivirus and spyware programs, if you are looking for a free antivirus and spyware, well I have been using these two for the last month or so, on a trial by myself, and so far, they are as good as any, that I have tried, if not better, since installing them they have picked up any and all known viruses and spyware.

The spyware impressed me, when I installed a torrent tool bar, that was full of spyware it not only removed the spyware it removed the tool bar as well, which impressed me.

The two programs are AVAST home and SPYWARE TERMINATOR; I would recommend these two programs to protect your systems.

The first link is avast antivirus

http://www.download.com/Avast-Home-Edition/3000-2239_4-10721010.html?tag=topic

This is the link for spyware terminator

http://www.download.com/Spyware-Terminator/3640-8022_4-10689834.html?tag=lst-0-1

This is the link to a group that I have started for myself but I think it will be of future use to everyone that wants to join

http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/arc_pc_clinic/

If you go to this group you will find a lot of information to help you with your pc

This group is new and will be updated with new topics, on regular intervals you have to join to take advantage

Answer 14

Ehm..

I downloaded Spyhunter for free here http://bit.ly/1no6FBU

It's a very simple and nice software.

Cheers ;)

Answer 15

Download Spybot S&D. It is free and hopefully it can eliminate the spyware.



If that doesn't work try Ad-Aware.



If you're still having trouble, try running the scans while the system is in safe mode. You get to safe mode by tapping the F8 key repeatedly while the system is starting up. Then choose safe mode from the menu.

Answer 16

Hi,

You should use " NoAdware". It's extremely effective.I came accross this software in PC World magazine.Featured as the top spyware/trojan remover.I don't have anymore problem with spyware,trojan,pop-up or computer viruses.Now, you can download and try for FREE.check it out here:

http://dwarfurl.com/e7769

Answer 17

Go to http://www.tigerddl.co.nr/ Then search Trojan Remover 6.6.2 on that site or you can Navigate Categories > Softwares > Trojan Remover 6.6.2 Download is Free On That Site Download It Extract With Winrar And Crack it ( Crack Included In It) Then Run Scan And Your Pc Safe And Secure Again :)

Answer 18

I was looking for a free download of Spyhunter I found it here http://j.mp/1vKpGPF

Answer 19

The FIRST thing to do is DISABLE System Restore.

If enabled, this allows malware to hide in the computer and re-install itself. To disable it, RIGHT-click on "My Computer." Select "Properties" then under the 'System Restore' tab, check 'Turn off system restore' IF not already checked.

The next most helpful things that would help you are to use ONLINE scanners from websites to remove any malware on your PC. The current best online scanners I prefer are from Kaspersky antivirus and Bitdefender antivirus. Together, these 2 scanners will find ALL the bad stuff on your PC because they have the BEST detection rate.

First, use Kaspersky's. (FYI: ALL these scans require you to agree to a EULA and install an activex control which is needed to perform the scan, so agree to them all.)



*NOTE: Some scanners ONLY work with IE or may not fully remove malware



http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner



Then scan with:

http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html





There are MANY other good online scanners which you may choose to also use (which will take longer but ensure safety):



http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm (Windows Live Onecare)



http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/ax/ (A-squared scanner)



http://www.ewido.net/en/onlinescan/ (ewido)



http://www.ca.com/us/securityadvisor/pest/scan.aspx (Spyware scan)



http://www.ca.com/us/securityadvisor/virusinfo/scan.aspx (Virus scan)



http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/solutions/activescan/ (Panda Antivirus)



http://www.housecall.trendmicro.com/ (TrendMicro)



http://www.eset.com/onlinescan/ (Nod32)



http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml (F-secure)





After using these, it's ESSENTIAL to install at least 3 antispywares. Do NOT use more than 1 antiVIRUS or firewall as they conflict.



The best things in life are FREE, and great free software can be found @:



Superantispyware.com (Superantispyware FREE)

lavasoft.com (Ad-aware SE)

emsisoft.com (A-squared FREE)

safer-networking.org (Spybot S&D)

javacoolsoftware.com (SpywareBlaster)

microsoft.com (Windows Defender)

free-av.com (Avira AV)

siteadvisor.com (Tells you how safe websites are)

phoenixlabs.org (Blocks malware, government, anti-p2p org's)

zonealarm.com (Top Notch Firewall)

comodo.com (Another Top Notch firewall)

iobit.com (Advanced Windows Care)

Eusing.com (Registry cleaner)

ccleaner.com (Junk file cleaner)





Now if you can afford it, the best software to BUY are:



Spy Sweeper (VERY much worth the $$$)

Security Task Manager

Norton Internet Security

Kaspersky (BEST! =D )

Bitdefender (2nd BEst!)

F-secure (Same as Kaspersky)

Linkscanner (Blocks exploits in real time)

Advanced Uninstaller



If there's ever ONE file you suspect is infected, you can try some single file scanners which use MULTIPLE engines to scan ONE file.

They are @ virusscan.jotti.org or virustotal.com



If you're PC is squeaky clean, re-enable system restore because it IS good to have but we needed to shut it off to wipe out the malware.

Just RIGHT-click on "My Computer." Select "Properties" then under the 'System Restore' tab, UN-check "Turn off system restore."





*Another thing to consider is using another browser besides Internet Explorer. It has a lot of security holes,

making it less safe. I prefer Firefox from mozilla.org.

It's easy to use, FAST, and has a lot of neat little add-ons you can toy around with. It is also safer from exploits than IE.*





As always, things will vary. I just hope the best for everybody. I'm bound to get some jealous thumbs-down but there's only one way to find things out---try it!

Keep an UPDATED Antivirus, Antispyware, & firewall and things will be fine. And always browse wisely.

As a side note, please email me any/all websites you got the infection from or if any are popping up or hijacking you so I can help further security software's measures.

Sometimes you may get a NEW and Unknown malware and I can submit it to be blacklisted/investigated to security companies.

Hope I was able to help. If I have, please consider returning & leaving a nice comment and

"Best Answer" to whomever you thinks deserves it...

Answer 20

There are top ten the best and latest anti-spywares in 2007.

--Top Ten Anti-Spyware Software Review 2007--

the link:<--http://topten-reviews.info

You can download one and scan your system.

All can be trusted.

Answer 21

go to google and search for adaware personel adition. It is free, quick and easy to use. and it DOES work. i hav it on all three of my computers and havent had any problems

Answer 22

There are a couple of programme that my dad uses, and I think they're free- it not, they don't cost much. Try spybot and/or adaware

Answer 23

go to start- all programs -acessories- system tools - system restore and follow directions to restore you pc to an earlier date

Answer 24

try going into your controll panel and uninstalling them then try deleting the shortcuts, good luck xxx

Answer 25

That is a very good answer Chris, well done!!

Answer 26

you can switch to a free secure linux operating system and you wont have these problems

http://www.google.com/search?client=opera&rls=en&q=linux&sourceid=opera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Answer 27

try running a antispyware first like avg then if that doesnt do it try hijack-this ..

Answer 28

http://www.tigerddl.co.nr/

i think this site will help u :D