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My computer is being retarted and completely slowing down and I think it's because I have a lot of spyware on it. Ive downloaded like 20 different registry cleaners and every one of them have worked with the spyware scan but then it says I have to purchase it to continue with the clean-out. Is there any out there that you dont have to pay for that clean out your system and make your computer faster? What do you recommend? Cause I need onee
I suggest these 2 programs to clean out spyware
Spybot S&D - FileForum | Download Spybot Search and Destroy
Ad-Aware - Ad-Aware 2007 - Free Software Downloads and Software Reviews - Download.com
Just make sure you keep them updated and they should keep your computer clean
the above programs are really good, i would also suggest checking out spychecker.com as they have alot of great downloads there
the thing with spyware/adware is that once its on your computer (specially as bad as you seem to have it) its nearly impossible to remove it all without it messing up your windows or corrupting some files when deleting them
i would suggest backing up your important files, wiping your harddrive and reinstalling your windows.
then focus on prevention... use programs like CCleaner, Firefox, Antivirus, firewall, and spyware blaster (GET spyware blaster, one of the BEST prevention tools ive come across, it patches your internet browsers backdoors that allow adware to get on your computer in the first place!
if you computer is really laggy you can temp fix it by doing a selective startup... to do this goto Start > Run > msconfig ... and either select "selective startup" and uncheck "startup items" OR click the startup tab and uncheck all the programs that appear to be spyware/adware... NONE of the programs on that last are vital for your computer so you can uncheck them all (generally speaking)
hope this helps,
Raelum
Registry cleaners actually do little, if anything, positive for your computer ... I would avoid using them, while they may not help, they CAN screw your computer up ... Ad-Aware and Spybot, as mentioned, are free anti-malware utilities that work pretty well (they each have about a 60% success rate, according to tests by PC WORLD magazine ... Webroot's 'Spy Sweeper' is the #1 best (I run it), it catches over 90% of the bugs, but costs about $30/year ... definitely worth the price ... :smokin:
CCleaner.com
RegSeeker download and review - registry search tool from SnapFiles (safe to use, really only gets rid of reg keys you no longer need)
of course use these along with adware and spybot...
I was going to suggest this fix too. A lot of crap runs in the background that you do not need. But BE CAREFUL; if there is one called 'pointer', that's your mouse.... lol... you kinda need it! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Raelum
first off you need a good anti virus (i use avg free) and a good firewall (i use sunbelt personal, i used to use zonealarm till i learned they sent information on your computer back to their HQ for some unknown reason,and you cant turn it off its a shame, cause zonealarm was a really nice program)
as far as spy/adware, download ad-aware se, that will get most of it, spybot search and destroy is another good one. and you need spywareblaster. it keeps that crap from getting on your computer in the first place. then defragment the drive (im suprised how few people do this!) and disable unneeded services and processes and your good to go :thumbsup:
yeah and if its not fixed after that, you could go to a tech geek forum and post a hijack this log, basically they will tell you step by step how to totally clean your computer. bless them :)
Oh and I forgot, if you run the msconfig, leave your antivirus turned ON.