Yet more Spyware / Virus woes!

[pstruck]

This is really pi$$ing me off. I spent three whole evenings a couple of weeks back downloading Anti-Spyware/Ad-Ware software, scanning and disinfecting my PC and god knows what. Now I seem to still be getting problems. Everytime I do a scan with Spybot it picks up stuff (WebSearchSmart, or something like that). I am running Norton Internet Security, plus using Spybot, Ad-Aware and the windows beta thingy, but I cannot seem to resolve everything.

What should I be doing?

Is there so really good piece of software which will stop re-infection and actively monitor to prevent other things coming in?

[aldi]

Next step, update all the scanners, then reboot and scan in safe mode with all the settings on full/maximum/whatever. Safe mode=keep tapping F8 while it reboots and choose safe mode from the list. Good luck!

[neil_cardiff]

Make sure you turn off System Restore, as this holds system files which can be infected. Any AV or spyware removing application will not be able to remove these files whilst this is turned on.

It's one of the fatal mistakes many make as you just reinfect yourself as soon as you boot the machine back up

[mattley]

And turn system restore off and waste another evening.


Then back up, format and reinstall.I've come accross a couple of machines lately that none of the standard toold seem to be able to clean up.

[Godfrey H]

Download HijackThis from here: www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html and PM me with the log file.

[Trooper2]

pstruck said:

Is there so really good piece of software which will stop re-infection and actively monitor to prevent other things coming in?

SpywareBlaster.

www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

It doesn't make you click buttons all the time, it just sits there and guards your P.C.
It has been keeping my system clean for over a year now and I never find spyware when I scan with Ad Aware, Spybot, M.S. Defender or Norton. It works very well. Just remember to check for up dates every 2 weeks or so unless you want to spring for the pay version to get automatic updates.

[pstruck]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Have to admit that I hadn't turned off the System Restore, so this may well have been my problem. Do I leave this turned off after I have fixed everything?

[Trooper2]

pstruck said:

Thanks for the advice guys.

Have to admit that I hadn't turned off the System Restore, so this may well have been my problem. Do I leave this turned off after I have fixed everything?

Once you feel that your system is clean then turn system restore back on and set a restore point.