Hard Light Productions Forums

Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Arkangel on March 18, 2007, 04:02:46 am

Title: Spyware Issues
Post by: Arkangel on March 18, 2007, 04:02:46 am
Recently my computer has obtained spyware. I get a message telling me that windows has detected spyware and if i would like to download the program to get rid of it.
Now i did this and it came up with seven viruses (1 trojan and several spyware) i went to delete but it told me i had to pay, so screw that.

I ran a check of my computer with both McAfee and Windows Defender and they couldn't find anything at all. They each searched over 130k files whilst the downloaded one (Neo-something) only searched roughly 10k files.

I am starting to think that this pop up is THE spyware and it wants me to pay for an uneeded program since all my other security devices detected nothing (But shouldn't they detect even that pop up?)

I'm confused in how to get rid of it and i need to do it fast if there really is a trojan in the system.
Has anyone any ideas what to do or experienced something similar?
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: Wanderer on March 18, 2007, 04:12:01 am
Try downloading Adaware and Spybot SD and running those.. or using free (online) scanners from f-secure, kaspersky and/or elsewhere

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/
http://spywarewarrior.com/asw-features.htm

Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: jr2 on March 18, 2007, 07:08:56 am
Ya, do that... if it doesn't work, post back here, I've had a similar experience, maybe I can help...
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: CP5670 on March 18, 2007, 08:22:23 am
There are lots of "spyware removal" programs out there that detect false positives to make you pay. Use the ones Wanderer listed; they're the standard choices for detecting this stuff.
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: Huggybaby on March 18, 2007, 11:05:27 am
Quote
I am starting to think that this pop up is THE spyware
Yup, that sounds like the problem. If you google the program it wants you to buy, you'll find out soon enough.
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: jr2 on March 18, 2007, 12:08:04 pm
Here's to the Spyware/Adware/Trojan/Virus makers out there:  I love you, come here, I wanna give you a hug... that' right, over here... awww
:headz:
Ooops!  Who woulda thought!
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: Polpolion on March 18, 2007, 12:44:56 pm
Quote
I am starting to think that this pop up is THE spyware and it wants me to pay for an uneeded program since all my other security devices detected nothing (But shouldn't they detect even that pop up?)

Thats right. They just make up fake spyware notices and hope you get all scared, and buy their product, which in reality does nothing.


[not sarcasm]



Usually you can tell when you get spyware. (computer runs slower than usual, homepage keeps changing, process list doubles etc )
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: Bobboau on March 18, 2007, 01:22:51 pm
Recently my computer has obtained spyware. I get a message telling me that windows has detected spyware and if i would like to download the program to get rid of it.
Now i did this and...

let me guess this came up while you were visiting some website?
yeah, now you know were all that came from, never trust random messages out of the blue promising to save you from everything. especially when you don't think you have a problem to begin with.
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: Arkangel on March 18, 2007, 08:46:08 pm
my interent has been running slower over the past 2 months and Windows Defender just detected a spyware out of the blue. I deleted it but i still get the message.
I will try those programs when i get home.
Thanks
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: Polpolion on March 18, 2007, 09:06:50 pm
my interent has been running slower over the past 2 months and Windows Defender just detected a spyware out of the blue. I deleted it but i still get the message.
I will try those programs when i get home.
Thanks

It doesn't always work that easily. Unplug your internet for a couple days and do a scan every time you're on.
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: neoterran on March 18, 2007, 09:57:17 pm
www.hitmanpro.nl
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: MP-Ryan on March 19, 2007, 12:04:12 am
www.hitmanpro.nl

+1.  Fantastic software.
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: Arkangel on March 19, 2007, 03:24:44 am
Adaware did the trick. :yes:
Thanks a lot fellow Hard-Lighters, you really saved my bacon! ;)
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: Wanderer on March 19, 2007, 05:46:07 am
You should run some other scanners as well as none of the current spyware scanners detects everything.
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: Arkangel on March 19, 2007, 03:51:39 pm
Alright, thanks for the tip.
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: neoterran on March 19, 2007, 05:24:44 pm
You should run some other scanners as well as none of the current spyware scanners detects everything.

That's what hitman pro is all about. It's an aggregator for the most useful tools. Everyone should use it.
Title: Re: Spyware Issues
Post by: Huggybaby on March 19, 2007, 05:40:00 pm
It's an interesting program to be sure. How valid are the objections raised on This Page (http://www.surfing-safe.com/spyware/hitmanpro.php)?