Best spyware removal tool?

[EveningStar]

What is the best spyware removal tool? My OS is Windows XP.

I currently use Spybot Search & Destroy. In the past I've used Webroot SpySweeper but it crashed my system.

[Kathekon]

None are perfect. I had an XP machine in our system that resisted almost every attempt at repair. I installed WebRoot SpySweeper, Spybot and adAware and ran them all repeatedly and updated daily. The exorcism took 2 days.

You might want to note the content of the pop-ups and Google them. Sometimes there are specific fixes available.

Here is a good review of current software: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2255857,00.asp

[DoctorDoom]

Spybot is good. Adaware 2007 is also good, and it has a freeware version. It doesn't hurt to have both and run both. They complement well.

Which of the many spyware program is best is essentially a Ford vs Chevy thing, a matter of opinion as much as of fact. Look up the reviews and go for whatever ones look good.

[mkafrica]

So far, on my Windows computers, I like Spyware Terminator. It seems to be pretty effective, in my experience.

LINK (http://www.download.com/8301-2007_4-9871881-12.html?tag=blog.1)

[BarryC]

In my experience, Spybot - Search & Destroy, Adaware 2007 and Spy Sweeper are good. They say that it's good to have more than one because some of them find things that others don't.
The problem I had was there was a very malicious file in this computer and nothing was able to remove it till I installed Panda Internet Security, my antivirus that I have on my own computer. Later I thought it was all gone, but when I upraded my Adaware SE to Adaware 2007 it found that file and was able to delete it, although not immediately.
And I guess most antivirus programs handle adware now as well. It's always good to have an antivirus program.

Barry

[DoctorDoom]

And I guess most antivirus programs handle adware now as well. It's always good to have an antivirus program."Good" is not the word. When it comes to AV programs, "mandatory" is the operative word, particularly if the computer is used by clueless people with zero security awareness. And "mandatory" includes up to date definitions. Every couple of days is not too often.

Another vital matter is a firewall, especially on a broadband connection with a fixed IP number (typical of DSL and cable). The modems provide basic passive protection with NAT Network Address Translation), but an active hardware or software firewall is better. For home networks, a router with a built-in firewall is ideal and eliminates the need for a resource-grabbing software FW.

[BarryC]

We have a router here.

[MaxLoad]

I've used TrendMicro for internet security since 2000.
Great package, not very cumbersome, works in the background, very easy to use.
Recently Iv'e added CCleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com/)(free download), to do some extra sniffing. I'm very pleased with the results.

[CzechPrince]

That's the one thing I love about having a Mac now is that I don't have to worry about that nonsense.

[mkafrica]

That's the one thing I love about having a Mac now is that I don't have to worry about that nonsense.

Ditto that!

[MaxLoad]

That's the one thing I love about having a Mac now is that I don't have to worry about that nonsense.
Yeah - but you guys always were different...:D

[DoctorDoom]

The reason Macs are not targeted by the asswarts is that the scumbags relish instant feedback. If one were to write a virus for those overpriced, overrated status symbols, who the hell would know about it? There aren't enough of them to make them attractive to the SOBs.

Be glad Macs are a fringe platform. Your security benefits from it. BTW, be sure to download the security updates (http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/). You never know when some zit-popping little shit will do you just because.

[MaxLoad]

Back in the 90s I bought a Mac9500 to do some video editing. What a POS! $7000 down the tubes! Never again!