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...and when your done - avoid those....umm... "news pages"...you visit so frequently! (Cyfr, you should perhaps check for spyware too! )

/Ankh

Along with running a realtime spyware protection program like Microsofts Antispyware or Spybot (not adaware which by default has no realtime protection - you need to pay some cash to get it), ensure that your browser security settings are configured correctly - i cant stress how important this is as part of the solution when using IE.

If youve already had spyware on your PC, it is almost certain that these settings have been compromised (and i agree with Ankh, spyware realtime works best to prevent rather than cure an existing problem), what you need to do is go into internet security options and reset all the zones to their default setting (or tighter). Also download the restricted sites list from here https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm#IESPYAD

follow the instructions and add in those sites to your restricted security zone.

Additionally, take time to build up your trusted sites list - dont just tone down the security level for the internet zone.

If you do the above, run a hardware firewall, use antivirus (with scheduled updates for you signatures and use windows updates then i (nearly) guarantee you trouble free computing, even if you do peruse those 'specialist' sites.

As a side note, microsoft's antispyware will soon be out of beta and they are expected to start charging for it in the near future.

Microsoft's Antispyware is the only one to offer real time protection - Hence their recent marketing and future charging for the product. Spybot doesnt offer realtime protection either! What it does is to "Immunise" your system or block known dodgy spyware sites, which is a step ahead of Adaware.
However Spybot and Adaware used together will prevent, find and fix most problems. Some spyware products are a bitch to remove as they where designed to be and reg hacking is needed to sort these out. As it's been mentioned " prevention is better then cure" so run a Hardware firewall or at least a software one, zonealarm is good and free! Run windows updates regularly as well as your AV software remembering to update for latest updates first.

Pretty sure Adaware offers realtime protection if you pay for it - just not for free.

Still, the only reliable spyware removal method is a copy of Hijack this and a good knowledge of authentic processes or at least the ability to search on Google to check if something is valid or not

Yes Adaware Pro offers "limited" real time protection, but as adaware misses stuff spybot picks up on and vice versa, it's only giving limited protection and thats after paying for it !

EDIT.

I agree, hijackthis provides the info to sort out most spyware probs.

Stop using IE and stop going to porn or warez sites = no malware

MS antispyware is no more reliable at detecting stuff than Adaware so by your logic you can't claim Microsoft Antispyware is the only one that offers real time protection it's not.

Nothing wrong with Internet Explorer tbh, as long as you don't take stupid risks by visiting suspicious sites

Edit: Ditch Internet explorer and use Mozilla Firefox btw

/Ankh

Spybot 1.4

http://www.safer-networking.org , or http://www.download.com

Microsoft Anitspyware -- it's on beta so it's free
http://www.microsoft.com

i run both at the same time , and i've not been hit with spyware for a very long time. :cowgif: :gamblor: