Genealogy Chat

Val, yes OK to uninstall other programs.....I do like, though, the added (but manual) free version of AD-AWARE, along with the Microsoft - as mentioned by Paul, not all programs pick up all spyware - but Ad-Aware and Microsoft together work quite well. Judy

thank you very much Judy so its safe for me to uninstall my other spyware and just keep microsoft, and AVG anti virus

I agree with what you're saying about multiple protection, Paul....I use several myself, both paid versions and a few free ones! Judy :)

Hi Judy, Sorry my version of Ad-Aware is the licenced (paid) version. But I would not put my faith in one anti-spyware product alone. Out of Ad-Aware, Spybot S&D and Microsoft Anti-Spyware - none of them alone will remove all spyware everytime by themselves. If using Microsoft Anti-Spyware, I would still strongly recommend that at least one other program be used. With Zone Alarm Pro, which now has it's own anti-spyware, I now use 3 different ones. But then I am paranoid and have also turned off UPNP and messenger service. Paul

Paul.....unless I'm missing something on the free version of Ad-Aware, it doesn't automatically update nor does it run in real time. As for Spybot, again, the free version, it does indeed add spyware.....spyware I've had many occasions to remove from the PCs I work on. I'm not saying that they don't do what they claim, as they do, but anything free comes with a 'price to pay.' Some programs are less invasive than others and those are the one I recommend when someone is looking for 'free.' The pay for versions of the programs do come spyware free and they do work in real time....however, most people are looking for a quick fix for many reasons; for lack of funds, a bargain, whatever, and the things I mention many times are the free versions - and I have often advised in my posts that the free versions of anything have a reason for being free.....and that's usually the spyware/adware they add to their free versions. Judy PS....I did just pull up Ad-Aware Personal, the free version, as I use this program myself and wanted to make sure that I wasn't missing something. There is a disclaimer that states ' Realtime-Protection not available in the Personal edition.'

Judy, Ad-Aware automatically updates itself. Spybot also 'immunises' your system against approx 36,000 known issues currently. These products are both tried and proven and do not inject their own brands of Spyware. Whilst free at the moment, Microsoft Anti-Spyware is still beta and will require a subscription (apparently) when the final version is released. A reliable firewall is needed, for example Zone Alarm, particularly if using Broadband (cable or ADSL). Paul

William, I agree System Restore is the best way to get rid of it, unfortunately my friend had already turned off System Restore in an attempt to remove a Trojan he had as well (instructions from Norton) and had therefore lost all of his restore points. The Trojan was completely removed by Spybot whilst Nortons gave four pages of instructions to do the same thing. Paul

Hi Val.... If you have Windows XP - the Microsoft Anti-Spware program is all you need to control spyware/adware, pop-ups, etc.....You do, though, still need your anti-virus program.....anti-spyware and anti-virus programs are two different animals that treat 2 different types of problems. Spyware/Adware and Viruses, although different, both can be quite harmful. (Just wanted to make sure you know you need both - anti-spyware and anti-virus.) With that said, you do not need any other anti-spyware program beside Microsoft (ie: Spybot, CC Cleaner, etc....) Microsoft's Anti-Spyware only works with XP. If you have another Windows version on your PC (Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows 98) I would suggest that you use the two following programs: Lavasoft's AD-AWARE which can be found here: http://www.lavasoftusa(.)com/software/adaware/ SPYWAREBLASTER which can be found here: http://www.javacoolsoftware(.)com/spywareblaster.html ** Remember to remove the ( ) from the address ** Download both programs and install. Run, for the first time in SAFE MODE.....after that you can just run the programs in normal mode. Safe Mode is a diagnostic tool which is used to correct problems that are difficult to do while your PC is running under normal conditions. It's easy to start your PC in SAFE MODE. The directions are on my thread '1 Stop Routine PC Maintenence' on the Tips board - which I've nudged up for you. You'll find all the information I posted on Maintenence on page 1 of the thread. Any problems feel free to give me a shout. Judy

could I ask is the microsoft spyware programme enough or should I have others installed , as I thought it was okay to have others if not should I uninstall any others, also how do you start in Safe Mode thanks a lot

May I suggest Microsoft's (free) Anti-Spyware - unfortunately only works on Windows XP - superior to all the free programs offered on the internet (others also add their own brand of spyware!), runs in 'real time', updates and scans automatically so you don't have to remember to do anything - other than to download and install it. You can find it here: http://www.microsoft(.)com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en Remember to remove the ( ) from the address. For a first time scan, it's usually best to run the program while in SAFE MODE - programs running in the background - and spyware/adware does run in the background - are often difficult to remove because they are 'working.' Safe Mode will turn off running programs allowing for easy removal. Judy

In reply to Paul;,I also got the 'Spyware Cleaner earlier this month,and as i have Windows XP,I managed to get rid of it by using 'System Restore'.I went back to an earlier date,and one thing to rmember when you do this,you don't lose any files. Regards William Russell Jones Cefn Mawr Wrexham.

Me too, lots of little popping noises as they are blocked.

If you go to MSN and download their toolbar, it has a pop-ups blocker on it, thats what i use, and it works, you just get a little thin line just under the tool bar telling you that pop-ups are being blocked plus an option to allow some pop-ups from sites that you want to recieve them from. Roy

Hi Margaret, I have seen the 'Spyware Cleaner' pop-up on a friends computer lately. Norton's is completely ineffective against it. Everytime you click in the pop-up (that looks like a Nortons warning or an XP Security centre warning) more and more Adware, Spyware and Malware will be installed. There are cleaners that claim to remove it but they require payment. Use Google and you will find a whole list - all of them I have looked at so far will do a free scan and tell you about your mass of infections and then require registration (payment) to clean it. My advice is to use Mozilla Firefox (free) as your browser instead of Internet Explorer, use Ad-Aware (free or licensed), Spybot Search and Destroy and Zone Alarm (free or licenced) - and keep all up to date. Remember that the XP firewall only blocks incoming, once you have an infection on your PC - Windows XP Firewall will not protect you. I get no pop-ups in Ancestry or GR. Paul Sorry, I forgot, do not forget a good Anti-Virus (I don't use Nortons) and remember that, on average, an unprotected computer connected to the Internet will be infected within 1 minute!!

I know what you mean Margaret I am paranoid about virus's .

My ISP provided blocker has stopped everything so far,am also using spyware but have not had any warnings from it. That's just standard AOL provided kit,straight from the homepage,but AOL does play funny when you enter some forums,it's something to do with it changing your identifying info going to the site. Mostly affects sites connected to pepipoo. Glen

thats interesting I assumed they had a deal with them

I am getting a Screensavers.com popup. However it only appears if the GR webpage is opened by clicking on the 'To read this message click here' link in the email GR sends when a contact has been made. Opening GR direct in IE doesn't generate a popup. Has anyone asked whether GR has licensed the popup companies to use their site in this way? Nick

is there any way to stop them anyone please???

I think it has got something to do with the deal that they did over the updated BMD's Roy