Question about spyware

[Evening Star]

Does anyone know which files in the XP registry to eliminate spyware ?

Is there any way to eliminate the files manually to at least slow it down?

Does Ezula (sp?) ring a bell with anyone?......

otherwise,

anyone have any luck or have a link to a good free adware remover?

Thanks
ES

[truhavoc]

1. Spybot search and destroy is my personal fav

find it at download.com

[Evening Star]

3. Thanks truhavoc ...downloaded and scanning now (eom)

[Benhurst]

6. All of the above plus

Spyware Blaster:

www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Spyware Blaster has a list of over 3,000 spyware programs it prevents loading onto your computer.

I turn it on every time I start up my computer. I run Adaware and Spybot (which also blocks downloads) at least once a day. Spyware programs are caught on an almost daily basis. It's a constant battle.

All three of these programs are freeware. Good luck!

[Cooley Hurd]

2. I use both AdAware SE and Spybot S&D...

Link to Download.com's AdAware page

Link to Download.com's Spybot page

Don't forget to immunize your PC with Spybot after scanning and removing the spyware...:thumbsup:

[datasuspect]

4. try this:

http://www.kephyr.com

or

http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/

they both give detailed info on how to remove spyware references in the registry.

[wishlist]

5. "Registry mechanic" works to fix registry after you clear the spyware

If you want to let a program fix your registry for you, you can purchase Registry Mechanic. I have always tried to use free programs and fix things on my own, but the spyware has gotten so pervasive in the past year, that I finally decided to purchase this product and have used it satisfactorily for a year now to fix my registry each time I clear spyware out with Ad-Aware and Spybot. It has worked quickly and safely for me. Here is link to Registry Mechanic:

http://www.pctools.com/registry-mechanic/?action=purchase

[Evening Star]

7. Thanks all

Going to have to work on this a while it looks

about 1200 objects in here

Ad-Aware Se

made it through the Quarantine process but it now seems "stuck" in the deleting mode and not doing anything

I'll keep working at it here..maybe try another one as well

Spybot or xsoftspy scanned but wanted a purchase to remove (i think)

might have to break down and purchase something

thanks again all

[mcscajun]

9. If you want to buy something a bit more powerful...

...try Pest Patrol.

I routinely run Spybot S&D, Aw-Aware SE, and keep SpywareBlaster on my PC as well. Still, I run Pest Patrol and it finds things the others don't.

It is a constant battle, and you cannot have too many weapons in your arsenal. Gotta keep all of 'em updated, and run 'em frequently.

[Lady Effingbroke]

10. Beware of Xoftspy!

It is considered a "rogue" spyware removal program. What "rogue" spyware removal programs do is offer you a free online scan, then require you to purchase the program in order to remove the spyware/malware it has "found" (i.e. placed on your computer during the scan). Sneaky, huh?

Here is a WONDERFUL site, maintained and frequently updated by Eric L. Howes, who is one of the good guys in the never-ending fight aginst spyware.

http://www.netrn.net/spywareblog

And here is the list of bogus spyware removal programs:

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#sites Scroll up and down the page to view a VERY DETAILED report on "rogue" spyware removal programs.

Note: Xoftspy was "de-listed" as bogus as of Dec. 8, 2004, but that was VERY recent. I still wouldn't trust it.

The best spyware removal programs are FREE. Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy are two of the best, as well as SpywareBlaster. Also, Please consider using an antivirus program such as
AVG and software firewall like ZoneAlarm to protect your computer. on edit: ALL of these programs are absolutely, 100% FREE and work very well.

Spy Sweeper and PestPatrol are the only two reputable "for purchase" programs that I know of, but I don't use either because there are so many excellent free programs available.

[Evening Star]

11. Looks like good info

I'm now running Ad-Aware and Spyware Blaster to begin with, thanks to others recommendations here as well

Thanks!

[Whoa_Nelly]

13. How do AVG and ZoneAlarm stack up against Norton?

Currently have Symantec anti-virus and firewall, but it's costly to re-up when subscriptions are due. How do the free download programs of AVG and ZoneAlarm compare to the Norton systems?

[Lady Effingbroke]

14. I have never used Norton, (I have used McAfee, which from what I have read

is similar in detection capabilities and resources used). I am now using AVG 7 and Zone Alarm (free versions) and I am very impressed with both, performance-wise, resource-wise (I had over 30 processes running when I used McAfee, now I am down to 23 or 24 using AVG and Zone Alarm) and most of all, in PRICE!!! Free is good.

You can schedule AVG to check for updates and scan for viruses (complete scan) once a day. You can also choose to scan selected/suspected folders/discs, as well as incoming/outgoing email. Not bad for free.

I have found Zone Alarm to be a good firewall which is very easy to use. After installing Zone Alarm, when a program tries to access the internet, a balloon will pop up in the lower right hand corner of the screen, and you either allow or deny that program access, as you see fit. If you don't want the balloon to pop up repeatedly, as in a program which is used daily, just click on "remember this setting". It's that simple.

I highly recommend them both.

edit: speling

:silly:

[Whoa_Nelly]

16. THX

Your response is much appreciated! :party:

[leftyandproud]

12. do this..

First, make sure you UPDATE the programs (Ad-Aware and Spybot) before running those scans. You likely have the older spyware definitions. After updating, reboot into safe mode before running the scan. Restart your computer and keep pressing F8, then when the option screen pops up, choose safe mode.

Then run a scan on the most thorough setting to kill the spyware. It should complete in safe mode because you don't have a bunch of other stuff hogging CPU time.

I recommend defragmenting afterwards.
Start, programs, accessories, system tools, defragment.

You may also want to read this post:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=2130129#

[BlueJazz]

15. As a Tech, I've had that happen....Do this...

Start ad-aware...when it finds about 50-100 spyware, push cancel (on lower right) Ad-aware will ask if you want those 80-100 files deleted...just keep going like that....

[Evening Star]

8. Ok ! Ad-aware se weeded it down to about 190 critical objects

now running it again and looks like it is going to work

shwew..that was NASTY

thanks again all

[Feron]

17. Once you've cleaned up your computer....

1)Get all Windows Updates
2)Get a firewall like Zonealarm (free version) or use the one that comes with XP.
3)Consider switching your primary browser to an alternative like Firefox or Opera.
Whether you switch or not, disable Active-X and Java in IE. Active-X is the primary way this crud gets on your system and some programs like AIM use IE. Note that if you need to get to Windows Update, you will have to temporarily reenable Active-X.

Pop-ups are another pathway to infection (hence disabling Java). Firefox/Opera both have pop-up blockers built-in and if you get Service Pack 2 for XP, there is one for IE as well.
Using Firefox with the adblock extension, i haven't seen a pop-up in months. :)
4)I use both Ad-aware SE and Spybot together once a week to make sure i am bug free. What one misses the other one gets. :)
However, in Spybot if you get the DSO exploit, disregard it. It is not malware, just a registry key in Windows that is flawed. If you stay up to date on your patches then you should be fine.

Also, if you have problems with removal, reboot into Safe Mode and scan again.

[miss_kitty]

18. Here's a link

I types 'eZula' into Yahoo

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=Ezula&sm=Yahoo%21+Search&fr=FP-tab-web-t&toggle=1