My computer is very slow. I just downloaded some freeware from, what I thought

[rhett o rick]

was a trusted sight,CNET. Now my computer reacts to keystrokes very slowly. I also get popups and I have popups blocked.

I assume I have some spyware. I ran Norton twice but to no avail. Any advice? I have a PC running Windows.

[eppur_se_muova]

1. Try MalWarBytes.

www.malwarebytes.org/‎

The free download can do a full scan. The $$$ version provides real-time protection. MWB tends to be the most up-to-date. Just caught something new on my WinXP box yesterday.

ETA: Of course, you shouldn't try to run two virus protection programs simultaneously. But you can leave Norton protection (or Microsoft Security Essentials, etc.) in place and run a scan w/MWB.

[MannyGoldstein]

3. Agreed.

Reboot, then Malwarebytes.

[hobbit709]

5. Malwarebytes is more of an antimalware than antivirus program.

I have no problems running it in conjunction with MSE or any other Antivirus program.

[MizzM]

10. MalWareBytes on Windows 8?

Have used free version of MalWareBytes on previous laptop. Now I have a Windows 8 laptop and see free trial, not free version. Software states it is compatible with XP, Vista, and Windows 7 - not Windows 8.

[hobbit709]

11. works fine on 8

It's same version, just don't activate the 30 day trial.

[ohheckyeah]

2. CNET has gotten

terrible about including a bunch of crap with downloads. Often the crap is a toolbar. You might check your programs in the Control Panel to see if there are programs that you don't recognize or know you didn't install on purpose. You can remove any of those from the Control Panel.

[hobbit709]

4. Norton is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.

Get Malwarebytes Antimalware and install it. also get Revouninstaller. CNET now gives you all these addon "features" with anything you download from them. You have to read each screen very carefully and uncheck/decline any "extras" it want to give you during the install of the "free" software. Revo will give you a list of all installed programs and you can get rid of the crap.

[rhett o rick]

12. When I go to download Malwarebytes it looks like the download

sights want to install extra stuff. That's what I am trying to get away from. Is there a good download sight that doesnt add stuff?

[hobbit709]

14. Start by going to Malwarebytes.org

their direct link to download.com lets you download the mbam-install file.

I never get anything from CNET anymore. They used to be good and then they started giving you extra garbage or worse, trying to trick you into downloading something else than what you were looking for.

[rhett o rick]

15. I have gone to Malwarebytes.org and they appear to use more than one

download sight. Yesterday it was CNET. Today when I tried it was TechSpot. Those came up on IE. When I tried on Firefox I did get sent to Download.com and was successful.
Thanks for the response.

[hobbit709]

16. Don't use Internet ExploDer

[rhett o rick]

17. Got it. Thanks. nm

[gvstn]

19. Just a quick note on download sites

Majorgeeks.com does not add anything to its downloads and actually tests the software it hosts to make sure it is effective. If you ever need free/shareware software just type the name of the software and majorgeeks into google to check if they offer it. I just got some crapware from DVDshrink from the "official" site but had no problem when getting the installer from MG. MG usually gives a warning in red at the bottom of the software description page warning if a toolbar is included with the software as a way for the manufacturer to defray costs. I'm fairly sure they insist that any software which they host that includes such toolbars must have an opt out during installation.

Take a look at this downoad page for the very good CD/DVD burning software Imgburn. At the bottom of the page there is a line for Limitations: which warns you about added software. MG doesn't add it but lets you know you should pay attention to all screens during install to avoid anything you don't want. http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/imgburn.html

[ShawnRIN]

6. Sounds like a bunch of add ons in your browser

Try going into your web browser and deleting or disabling your add-ins.

[rhett o rick]

7. Good idea thanks. nm

[rhett o rick]

13. How do I find the add-ins? nm

[ShawnRIN]

18. IE and Firefox fo to the tools menu

I'm not sure what browser your using, but for Internet Explorer its tools>Manage add ons and for Mozilla Firefox its tools> Add ons. Once your in there your can disable or remove.

[rhett o rick]

20. Using Firefox. Thaks. nm

[jamesedward]

8. computer is very slow. I just downloaded some freeware from, what I thought

Login into the safe mode and scan your system with the help of your installed antivirus. Surely you will get some results. If you still do not get any solution then you must install another stronger antivirus because your current program is unable to resolve the problem.I would suggest you some programs you may install anyone from them.
Quick heal
Immunet
Kaspersky
AVG

[rhett o rick]

9. I deleted two programs that were loaded with my software download, and

ran Malwarebytes. Computer is working fine. Well, still getting pop-ups in my browser. I will work on that.