Ok for some reason I've been getting a whole bunch of spyware crap as of late. I have ad-aware, spybot, spy sweeper, and microsoft anti-spyware. I've run all of them, but I still can't get rid of w/e I have...I know it's not gone because I still get pop ups randomly all the time coming from IE, even though I use firefox. Suggestions?
Are you using any programs (most notably p2p file sharing ones) that use embedded IE? If so, stop using them. Do you have pop-up blocking turned on in IE (either via a toolbar like Google or in IE itself in IE 6.0 sp2 (I think))?
microsoft now also has a program out that (i think) is provided as an update on www.windowsupdate.com. What it does is remove programs that "dont like to be removed". I havent tried it yet, but i suggest trying it. It couldn't hurt.
I've had some spyware and virus problems before. If you follow the steps on the webpage below, one of the suggestions is bound to work (and the final option, while more dangerous if you don't follow the direction of those who know what they are doing, the people on the forum I'm linking to you help you use this program to figure out what processes are bad and delete them. Just read the page, you'll see). http://forum.tweakxp.com/forum/Topic4303-29-1.aspx Hope this helps!
thanks for the help guys ill try em out when i have more time...right now i gotta get back to my homework!
Spyware are among the most fun programs to remove from windows XP. Last time a good friend of mine was depressed he spent three days cleanin his computer... it's the best thing that ever happened to him. He was so relaxed after those three days that I thought his life had suddenly gotten better... XD Anyway, I hate removing spyware, so I use linux, in which I haven't had any spyware so far.
That is the most practical advice possible for an average PC user! (I'm being ironic in case you didn't notice :icon_mrgr)
You know, my dear popboy, even though I normally appreciate your sarcasm, you touched a sensitive spot there... And that IS a practical advice. With very little work and knowledge, or if you are willing to pay my fee, I could set up a system in which you would notice the difference with windows, and still have the most amazing computing experience in your life. Not only finding everything where it's supposed to be, but things actually working and not being deceptive! it's like... uhh... I don't know... free!! as in freedom (not as in as in a free sandwich) Anyway, you now deserve a fireball... so be prepared, and if you smell sulfur when I'm arround... start running!!!
stop looking at porn. sp2's pop-up blocker that comes with should work. reformat would also work but thats a pain in the ass. otherwise get a reputal popup blocker.
OK, OK... In fact I am open to amazing experiences... though it seems that when it comes to PCs I'm done! Windows XP SP2 works OK for me. I'm an elder guy you know LOL, and I've tested all Windows versions since 3.1, and before XP SP2 I would have gladly paid your fees, and even tipped you generously, because it's no secret those OS sucked (don't worry, I know you think Windows still sucks) I'd never run away from you, you know I miss you, I'd willingly become your... victim? LOL hmmm... you needn't be so harsh! LOL Win XP SP2 has been very successful blocking spyware from the web (yes, that implies that I browse porn sites...). Then again, you may be inadvertently be installing spyware along with supposedly 'freeware'. It requires a little discipline to investigate a little before installing any of that stuff, but it really pays off. I had never had a serious problem with spyware.
LOL, I seriously don't think I got all this crap from looking at porn though! Like popboy said, I too never had problems with spyware or viruses. Weird things started happening when I was dumb enough to click on an aim virus. Then I got rid of it (at least I think I did), and I think I got more spyware after visiting this one bit-torrent website, then it just went down hill from there. Maybe I should just reformat...
I usually work in linux, but i just spent time getting windows working perfectly. So now, my brother was going on to porn sites and god knows what else, and now windows wont boot. Gotta reformat.