Windows XP gurus, please help (spyware b.s.)

[jb160]

lavasoft ad aware works amazingly

YUP!!! I swear by ad aware

 

[frorider6.2]

I have the same problem but don't have the time to read this thread right now, so I'm just bumping/subscribing.

 

[Gigantasor]

I have a major problem with spyware on my comp, I called Dell and spoke to two different "experts". The first said that I have to reinstall XP because the spyware is embedded in the Operating system. Then I talked to a friend who said I could use Ad Aware and Registry Mechanic. I called Dell again and a different person said that would work. WTF.

I backed up all my important files and I can barely use my comp. as it's so slow, can't open more than one file, processes are running at 100% in windows task manager.
Will those above programs(ad aware and registry mechanic) get rid of ALL my problems in XP, or should I just reinstall to be completely sure? I want my pc bulletproof from now on,(I heard Spybot helps) and don't want any shit left over that will fuck it up again.

Please give your opinions.

Thank you.

Hansel,

Your in luck in one way. Dell, if you bought the system new, comes with an easy as hell to use restore disk. All you will need to do is back up your files and pop that disk in. It will use a modified answer file specific to Dell to reinstall the system with minimum input from you.

You will then need to download all the system updates and service packs from microsoft and reinstall you virus protection software.

You could go through the process of using the various registry clearners and spyware cleaners to scan and remove the spyware and potential virus's from your system but the simple fact is that there will be some entrys in your registry and some spyware that will leave foot prints on your system.

If you are comfortable or if you have a friend that can do it I would recomend a complete reinstall. This will clear all the effected files from your system and make sure that you are not going to have recurring issues with this problem. All told you may spend about as much time with the reinstall as you do with the spyware clean.

I do this stuff nearly everyday and I'll tell you this is the easiest approach. Tools like registry mechanic are nice but they are still limited in what they can do.

Good luck.

If you have specific questions you can PM me and I'll do what I can to help out.

gig

 

[expletive]

If download.com gives you a choice, select secure download,
didn't have any problems till I downloaded an mp3 to wav program from them,
had to manually delete it, think I got it all.