How can I check for spyware?

The only thing that got rid of the Trojan StartPage.1 was from www.NoAdware.net it will cost you $35 but if it dosn't work then they will give you your money back.
I was trying for a week but it kept comming back again.
I have been free for four days now so it's looking good.
On my system I have Antivir, Spybot Search and Destroy, Diamond CS TDS3, Spyware Blaster and NoAdware.
All available through Google.

Bob the Builder
February 2005

Forget "Norton" it's money wasted as it dosn't find all the problems in my experience.
If you have spyware try "Antivir" (German company) and also "Trend Micro" these are free and you can find them through Google.
It will explain that you first have to switch off "system restore" right click "My Computer" go to properties then system restore tab then tick "turn off system restore". This is because when you have removed the virus you don't want to restore it again do you?!!
The programme worked well for me when I had this Trojan startpage.1 and nothing seemed to remove it.
Good luck!

Bob the Builder
February 2005

Yep all this free software is good chaps.BUT NEW THREATS ARE FOUND EVERY DAY.I recomend you use spyware doctor and purchase a key for this product to get LIVE UPDATES TO SCAN FOR NEW THREATS.I was using the free version and when i bought it and updated the database it found 5 NEW THREATS on my system.BE CAREFULL!!!

Matty
December 2004

I reccomend using AdAware and an anti-virus programme to let the pros have a go first. All they do though, is what you can do if you have a little information about computers. Advanced users can do all of this, beginners some of it.

Reboot, don't start any programmes. If you suspect a virus or dialler is hijacking you at startup press Ctrl-Alt-Del and look at the running processes. A good indication is new shortcuts on the desktop, or in Favourites, attempts to use dial-up, new icons in the bottom right, or monitor flickering.

Then check these folders for suspicious files like .exe .scr .pif that could be viruses, spyware, diallers, or trojans
WIN98 - C:\ root directory, the windows directory, windows system and system32 directory.
WINXP as above and all username directories under documents and settings as well as all system folders.
Any files that you find that are new or suspicious, type in to google and see what you get BEFORE deleting them.

You should then go to your cookies folder and delete EVERYTHING manually except index.dat which it will not allow. Then go to the Temporary internet folder and delete EVERYTHING manually, the cookies should already be gone. Delete EVERYTHING form the internet History folder or just using Internet properties from the control panel and check to make sure that your startpage and search page have not been hijacked. For example an old one http://www.123.com which appears as a search startpage but adds sex links, a dialler programme, will give you more trojans AS SOON AS Internet Explorer starts up.

Then Read up on what svchost does, it is a .dll manager and most spyware or viruses will be running through it, like the HLLW.Nachi.B virus. If you know what you are doing look at the windows registry for the items that came up in a spyware search (ie cyberdoor) and remove them.

No liability accepted
April 2004

Forget about Adaware and spy bot what ever, go into your Documents and Settings folder,Find your account folder.I e the one with your call name (or what ever name you used when you first installed windows.) on it. Locate Local Settings folder.Enter and delete all thats in Temp and Temporary Internet Files folders.
It works for me,but then again i might just be lucky.

Peter Neijs
April 2004

AdAware only removes ads & tracking cookies etc.
Spyware can be removed with something like "Spybot Search & Destroy"
Get it here:
http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=mirrors
And keep it updated with the built-in updater!

gigajosh
January 2004

hello there,

I have always used Adaware, its totally free, available from here: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/
im sure you'll be shocked at the amount of c**p lurking behind the scenes on your pc!

R.W.
November 2003