How can i get rid of spywear?

[Vermont woodsman]

I keep having some " ceres" pop up with ads. I have pop up blocker from earthlink, but this One company ceres ads get thru. Does anyone know of anything i can download to wipe my computer clean of this? Thanks guys

 

[Blades_Two]

It may not be spyware. Windows has a messaging feature that some companies use to send real time popups. While I've forgotten how since I installed the firewall, you can disable it. I used to get a pair of them every day. One of them offered me a Phd degree with no classes and no study. The other one suggested I could improve my manhood with their product. They went away when I shut down the messaging. Good luck.

 

[Sword and Shield]

In case it is spyware...

www.lavasoft.de

Download their Personal SE edition, run an update, and run it. Spyware gone.

 

[Steve Hayden]

You can download good spyware removal programs. K.V.Colucci has listed many, search on it.

I use Adaware SE about once a month and it keeps the BS way down. It's a free download.

 

[Bob W]

AdAware by Lavasoft, and Spybot Search and Destroy are both excellent spyware removal tools. Each is freeware, and each will catch a few things that the other misses.

Your best protection from Spyware is to avoid getting it in the first place. Never click to install anything from a popup ad. Always use a firewall when online. Don't install ad-supported spyware software. Stay clear of porn/warez websites. Don't download/share files with strangers. Son't install toolbars, file sharing software, other junk.

Hope this helps. I'm sure if you do a Google search you'll learn more about your particular infestation, and learn about specific removal procedures.

Good Luck and Best Wishes,
Bob

 

[jpdchef]

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html use this in addition to the other suggestions--stops the crap from getting on there in the first place.

 

[Ken C.]

1. Download Adaware SE Personal Edition and update.
www.lavasoft.de

2. Download Spybot S&D and update. http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html

3. Download HijackThis and update. http://s89223352.onlinehome.us/mirror/hjt/
(When you run this just do a scan, save the log to a word file and send me the file so I can see what files you need to remove. This is tricky for someone without some spyware savy.)

4. Download, update, and run CWShredder.
http://www.intermute.com/spysubtract/cwshredder_download.html

If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

 

[Vermont woodsman]

Thank you very much guys. MY computer seems better now.

 

[John Satchell]

Ken, do you download, install, and run all of these programs?

 

[ptn]

Dear K.V.Colucci,

Can you comment on the efficacy of the SpywareBlaster?

Thanks,
phil

 

[Ken C.]

Ken, do you download, install, and run all of these programs?

I run all of the programs I listed and the Microsoft Spyware Beta. I would not recommend anything I didn't use myself.

Can you comment on the efficacy of the SpywareBlaster?

I used to use Spyware Blaster. The program itself works very well and I was pleased with it. I since removed SB and I use Webroots SpySweeper. I use 4-5 programs for spyware/adware removal and prevention. Only 2 programs run in the background, those would be SpySweeper and Microsoft Spyware Beta.

 

[Blades_Two]

I don't think it is possible to get by with one anti spyware program since none of them catches all the spyware. I use three of them regularly. Only one or two spyware attacks get through my firewall each week but I can assure you I won't catch them all with any one of the three. It takes all of them.

 

[Planterz]

To get rid of spywear I suggest giving it to Good Will or the Salvation Army. If it's too worn and used to pass on, throw it out or burn it in an incinerator.

To get rid of spyware, download and run the programs mentioned above.