DO NOT USE THIS IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO READ!!!!
www.spywareinfo.com is the best resource I have found to date. Even for just subsribing to threats in the wild etc etc, via email. An amazing resource.
When you go to their site, there will be a navigation bar on the left of the homepage. Scroll down a little and you will find an 'Online Spyware Scan' link. This is the tool!
Now as with ANY tool, especially in the p.c. world, one must know how to use it. Using a tool without discretion can wreak havoc!!
This is what I suggest doing:
1. Make a backup of critical files (the system backup tool in XP is awesome/ create a restore point, and in the other MS os's you can still use the sytem backup, and backup the important system files. If you choose not to do a backup, then you take a chance of destroying your browser, simply because some spyware is VERY intrusive!! Not because the app removing it is bad, but because the app installed is bad.
2. Run the online detection tool on the URL above.
3. On the first run, DONT DELETE ANYTHING! Instead, start a Word or Worpad document and as each one comes up, click on the additional information link. Copy the link and the name of the spyware onto the document you created.
4. After all have been identified (you may be surprised how many you have) take the time to go back and read the addition information at each of those links. Get to know your culprits. Knowledge is key in successful removal of nasty adware and spyware.
5. If you can, always follow the link to the manufacturers site and use THEIR removal tool. You can alway re-run the online detection tool to make certain it has done its job.
6. For ones that are rated above a 2, you will more than likely be taking a chance in letting the software itself remove it, but in some instances, it can be your only choice.
7. I suggest only removing 1 at a time, restart your p.c., make certain your internet connection still works, then move on to removing the next one. Take it slow, there is NO HURRY to do this, its been on you machine forever, rushing the removal process can trash your system. Let me reiterrate the READ part.
8. From there on out, once your system has been cleaned completely, I suggest running this application at least once a week. As some spyware will share more info than you ever imagined. Not to mention, if you run it often, you can trace back what you did to infect your machine to begin with.
The additional information link that the application itself provides should be enough to tell you:
1. What you probably installed to get it
2. Provide links to the manufacturers responsible for making it
3. Provide great instructions on the removal process (be it manual if you choose to)
4. Provide threat level rating
5. Provide enough information to let you know EXACTLY what it is doing on your machine
6. Provide enough information to let you know the possible repurcussions of removing it the wrong way
Again you must take the time to read to understand the magnitude of the problem and the proper procedures for successfully removing it.
I have been to MANY residences as of recent and have fixed ALL of their machines of these problems using this simple online tool. Yes, it could be time consuming, but if you value the data on your machine, then take the time. Otherwise, if you could care less, just format the machine and start from scratch.
I get off on the challenge of getting the poop off myself.
I assume no responsibility for anyones system stability for not properly using any of the information I provided above. This is merely a solution to a possible problem you might have.
If you need help on an identified Spyware or Addware application that you KNOW is installed on your machine, let me know. I will be more than happy to walk you through removing it over the phone.
-Chris
