26 replies to this topic

[sugarmaplegurl14]

Does anyone with these programs keep getting popup messages from them concerning the blocking of downloads? If you do, is there a way to stop them from showing up?

[Josh]

111 Posts...hehe.

Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad-aware are programs that can only get rid of spyware after it's already been downloaded. So until you do your next search with those programs you'll keep getting popups. Spysweeper is the same thing only costs money; not really worth it.

If you want to stop most popups rather than just delete their producer at the end of the day, download this and this.

The second one is called SecretMaker. I just recently got it, and it's really that one that has stopped the rest of my popups. For it to work the best, I'd put it on these settings. The ones with the green check are the ones that are enabled to be on. The one that stopped the rest of my popups was "Banner Blocker." Look at that, 5 days, 500 blocked.

[z2z007]

ZoSo, your link that is supposed to show the settings doesn't work.

[Josh]

Sorry, try this.

EDIT:
I'm not sure if you wan't to use banner blocker because it can meke some images not load.

[z2z007]

My lineup of arsenals for combating spyware, viruses, intrusions, etc. is the following...

1. Zonealarm (Best free firewall out there, I might upgrade to the whole security suite)
2. Ad-aware SE (This software is best at catching spyware)
3. Spybot Search & Destroy (It catches whatever ad-aware misses and it continuously monitors for suspected registry changes and new spyware)
4. Avast antivirus (First antivirus I have seen that continuously monitors my system and updates on its own)
5. Startup Mechanic (I use this to check and remove any startup entries that cause my comp to lag and any spyware or pop-up producing entries)

[Josh]

I forgot to add, if you still use Internet Explorer, well, don't. Switch to one of the many browsers out there, Mozilla Firefox is the best. The browser only (not including the e-mail program) can be downloaded here.

[sugarmaplegurl14]

thanks for the tips

[StOrM]

I also use Mozilla Firefox, I used to use Opera but i got fed up with the banner ad on the bottom. It is recommended that you use a different brower then Internet Explorer, because most Spyware/Adware is targeted towards Internet Explorer. Spybot is currently the best free spyware remover currently avalible and if you can not totally remove your spyware i suggest you get Webroot's Spyware sweeper ($39.00 + Monthly Fee) I know its over priced but its currently the best you can get. If worst comes to worse reformat and install a fresh copy of SP1.

1. Remove all current spyware (If Spybot and Adware don't work then i suggest you reformat) - Theres is a feature on Spybot that scans and remove right after a restart- i suggest you try that before you reinstall. You can also find ways to remove spyware manually if you know what you have- do a quick search on www.pestpatrol.com

2. Use a Different Browser (Mozilla or Opera)

3. Cut down on the p***

If you follow these steps then you should be fine

[Josh]

Reformatting is a little bit too drastic for this. It's rarely necessary for just a simple spyware problem.

Quote

3. Cut down on the porn

Cut down on the stupidity.

[z2z007]

I say the same. Just because you may have spyware that doesn't mean you have been surfing pornographic websites. For ex: AIM dumps spyware on your computer.

[Josh]

...why am I the only AIM person who hasn't gotten this spyware? Is it because I use DeadAIM?

[z2z007]

You probably use the older version of AIM or you don't recognize what spyware AIM dumps.

[Josh]

Nope. Most recent version of everything is on my computer (i.e.: I just got Windows Media Player 10 today. When exactly did that come out?)

[StOrM]

AIM doesn't dump any spyware. Just cookies (From the top Flash ad banner), under which Adware se would overdramaticly class as "critical objects." You would probally get a load of cookies from daily use on the internet anyways and you can remove those under your IE options.

And yes, some types of spywares do require a system reformat. My computer got infected once by a trojan type spyware that slowed down my whole computer and reinstaled itself when removed (ticklers). It isn't a real problem for me to reinstall windows because i have a retail version of Xp Pro and still have a number of installs left, but i understand that it might be a problem for you dell users- you might have to look for the reinstall disk that came with your computer

[z2z007]

Not true... Wildtangent is spyware.

[Josh]

Then that's not really spyware; that's just a worm.

And Ad-aware deleted WildTangent a long time ago, I think.

[DrugSummit]

Norton Internet Security blocks all ads plus pop ups, combined with ie and sp2, you can be protected!

[z2z007]

The funny thing is that SP2 came with its own security flaws. Wait till that is exploited by hackers in a few weeks.

[DrugSummit]

That's inevitable. You know windows!

[StOrM]

No its not a worm because because Spybot and Adware detected it and every now and then it would pop up something telling me about cheep viagra pills