Spybot - installed in 1 desktop; but cannot install on another?

Question

I have a desktop (wireless) and a laptop (wired/wireless). Spybot works fine in desktop and cannot be installed in laptop. I cannot even access www.safer-networking.org (their home website) from my laptop.

When I try to install it on the laptop (tried both wireless and wired), I get website not found error. It cannot find www.safer-networking.org but this website is accessible from desktop.

Coincidentally or not, I cannot get to update Lavasoft Adaware either from my laptop.

Do I have some kind of malware that is blocking my access to this website? On the laptop, I removed all HOSTS entries except the localhost.

Very puzzling.

Update: Before installing S&D on the laptop, I installed Spyware Blaster and uninstalled it. I immunized a few things and then uninstalled it. Some things were not removed properly by Spyware Blaster?

I am trying to install Spybot S&D - 1.6.2

Answer 1

First off, SpywareBlaster does not clean infections, it only blocks some known sources of spyware and other crap.



Spybot S&D and Ad-Aware are both outdated. Try downloading and scanning with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. I am assuming you will not be able to access the official MBAM site if you cannot access either Spybot and Ad-Aware. Do you have a USB stick or something similar? Download MBAM onto your clean computer and transfer it onto your laptop. If not, try downloading MBAM from this link here: http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/malwarebytes/mbam-setup.exe



If MBAM will not install, rename the installation file (mbam-setup.exe) to something else (e.g heregoes.exe) and try again.



If installation is successful but MBAM will not run, try renaming the program file (mbam.exe - which by default installation is located in /Program Files/Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware/) and run it by double-clicking on the new filename (the shortcut will no longer work as the file has changed).



Perform a quick scan and remove any threats found. If you were unable to update the MBAM definitions file, perform a scan anyhow, then update it and re-scan after the initial scan and removal.



After that, download and scan with SUPERAntiSpyware just to double-check that you are clean.

http://www.superantispyware.com/



EDIT:



Another method of downloading MBAM is to boot into Safe Mode, download it, then boot back into normal mode (a simple reboot) to install and run it. Do not install or run MBAM in Safe Mode; it uses a special driver that does not work in Safe Mode.



How to boot in Safe Mode: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm (ensure you select 'Safe Mode with Networking' or you will not be able to use the internet)



EDIT:



It goes without saying (I hope), if you ever use a USB stick on an infected computer, ensure you scan it using good anti-virus software before using it again.

Answer 2

it does sound like you have some sort of virus.

try putting spybot on a flashdrive and installing it from there.

also try doing windows updates or other anti-virus software to see if any will install.



I have had a few issues with viruses that prevent installations and for the most part only a fresh install has worked.

you could also try resetting your browser to default settings.



top right of browser (explorer) tools>internet options>advanced>reset.



It could be something that is working in your browser that is preventing you accessing certain pages or downloading/installing software.

hope this helps.

Answer 3

there is a virus that blocks spyware websites.



to see if you have it do this



right click the My Computer icon >manage >storage >disk managemant. Look on the rhs pane and you should C drive and your CD Rom. If C drive is missing then yiou have the virus.



this virus will jump across memory sticks and can come in as "you need the latest flash" from unsavoury sites.

Try to download the file below to a memory stick and do the safe fix as shown in you tube. You can use this even if you have another antivirus, so try it. If it doesnt fix it you will need to format.

Go to FileHippo.com and type Avira AntiVir 9 in the search.



Go to you tube to see it in action.

This antivirus has a feature where it works when you boot so it captures malware before it starts up.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bum1_i2P574&feature=channel

Answer 4

It's likely that either a virus is stopping you from going to antivirus sites or that your firewall is blocking access.

I suggest you download (not install, download the installation files)spybot to the machine where it works and then burn it to a CD/DVD or copy it to a stick, and then install it from there on the infected laptop.



With luck it will then find and delete the virus and you will then be able to access the sites.