free spyware removal

[PCNOOB]

So I read a few threads on spyware removal only to find out that it's a somewhat futile endeavor, but something's better than nothing so I installed a few removal programs.

Spyware Doctor will run a scan, find the bad files, then prompt me to buy it if I want to remove the files. Registry mechanic does something similar although I'm pretty sure it at least acknowledges the option to use the free version where as Spyware Doctor almost seems like a big advertisement/extorsion system.

There is an option to continue on Spyware Doctor, but I don't think it ever really says that it has fixed a problem.

Do I need to actually purchase Spyware Doctor for it to do anything? Or is what I have a free version that is doing some good.

thanx

[flanzig1]

Those spyware removal programs that ask for money to remove spyware are scams.
These are free: Adaware and Spybot Search and Destroy
Trend Micro has a good on-line scanner.

[PCNOOB]

What's perplexing is that Spyware Dr. got great reviews on Cnet.

I installed spybot and Adaware also, but I had read so much about the ineffectiveness of these and other removal programs in general that I tried a couple others.

thanks

What's Trend Micro?

[rjfvillarosa]

TrendMicro produce one of the best internet security suites there is.
You can do an online scan here:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com

[Alaron]

The key to effective spyware searching and removal is redundancy. No program will ever find everything on its own. Thats why we recommend multiple programs. The combination of AdAware, Spybot, SpywareBlaster, CCleaner and AVG has always worked for me.

[glc]

AVG Antispyware is free as a manual scanner - you only have to pay to enable the active protection and automatic updates. It's an excellent product. If you use that in conjunction with Spybot and Ad-Aware, you should be able to clean just about anything that you come across.

Most of the trials of the pay programs entice you by calling every cookie on your computer an item that needs to be removed. You could have 247 cookies - and you will be told you have 247 items, none or very few of which are really a problem! The freebies scan for cookies too.

[PCNOOB]

Originally Posted by Alaron The key to effective spyware searching and removal is redundancy. No program will ever find everything on its own. Thats why we recommend multiple programs. The combination of AdAware, Spybot, SpywareBlaster, CCleaner and AVG has always worked for me.

How bout:

Adaware
Spybot
Registry Mechanic
Start up mechanic
Mcafee security center

Is there any reason in particular why I would want to swap out a couple of these with CCleaner and Spyware blaster? Or maybe even add them?

[Jose Suarez]

How about some good old ISpy spyware, uninstall all your trail software and install Agv Antyspyware, give those cookies to the cookie monster or just re install XP

System Info:
95' MICRON
Intel Inside Pentium x86 based CPU 100Mhz
old fashion 64 mb ram
western digital 2.2GB
and good old Win2000
--> this is my master system

[glc]

McAfee causes more problems than it fixes.

[PCNOOB]

Originally Posted by glc McAfee causes more problems than it fixes.

Are you kidding? OK so what should I use?

I have Norton XP that i could install and update. Is the free AVG really better than the stuff that actually costs money?

[Alaron]

Norton and McAfee are not worth the money. The free options will clean the system just as well and not hog resources and slow down the system. Just forum search for Norton for some stories about how problematic it is and how the problems go away when people switch to freeware.