Computer Spyware Programs

[aaa]

I have had major computer issues in the last week. I was infected with the Darksma and Vundo downloader trojans. After researching the net for possible solutions, i found they are extremely difficult to remove. I tried a variety of spyware removal tools to no avail. To do it manually is near on impossible.


The symptoms are, computer runs slow, constant ad pop ups, hijacking of emails, theft of information and locking of a variety of functions.


I then found buried deep in a google search a link to Exterminate It. After reading it, I downloaded to do a free scan and a lot of stuff no other spyware had found showed up. So i went searching the locations and sure enough the files where there on my system. I tried removing them with no luck. So i spent the $25 usa to activate.

http://www.exterminate-it.com/


It removed all but 4. I was disappointed that the Trojans once again reloaded and my problems continued. So, i used the SUBMIT STATE service. I supplied all the info i could gather, pop up addys and what they were for , what others programs had found and Exterminate had missed etc. Within 24 hours i received and email telling me they had updated there system and to download it. I rescanned the system and it deleted all the previous locked files.

Darksma and Vundo downloader trojans have not done their re appearing act since and my comp is running normal again.


It's worth remembering the addy or downloading it to see what it finds. I had no problems doing so in anyway with this program. They done what they said they would on there web site in under the time frame.

[Swift]

A good preventative program is Trend Micro Internet Security. Runs around 30-49 depending on where you find it at. Out of all the combo virus scanners/spyware programs i have ever had, it is by far the most user friendly i have ever encountered. I've had it for 2 1/2 years and i've not had one virus with it and it keeps my system clear of spyware as a plus. I'd recommend it over most any day

[aaa]

I have seach and destroy, adawares, CA Anti Spyware, Spy Doctor. I downloaded a few others to try too . Some found this Darksma and Vundo but none of them could remove it.

[MistyMorning]

Firefox browser, running NoScript and AdBlocker.

NoScript stops most problems before they even have a way to get to your machine. It basically works prevents websites from running scripts, which often plant spyware, malware (viruses, keyloggers, trojans) and other unsavory things on your computer.... and all you had to do was visit the website or open the email.

It doesn't even have to be the website itself- if they sold banner space and said banner sits in an iframe, it pulls from another site and could contain dirty code. That's how a keylogger got loose in the WoW community a year ago.

Webroot Spysweeper & Antivirus running in background all the time.

And don't forget the firewall.

[MistyMorning]

And AAA, if you have a bug that virulent and "at home" in your machine, best thing to do is reformat the HD.

Even that though won't provide a fix sometimes. Depends on the bug.

Although if I knew I had a nasty bug on my machine, I'd personally just yank the harddrive and install a fresh one. Would probably take less time then trying to clean up the old one.

[aaa]

And AAA, if you have a bug that virulent and "at home" in your machine, best thing to do is reformat the HD.

Even that though won't provide a fix sometimes. Depends on the bug.

Although if I knew I had a nasty bug on my machine, I'd personally just yank the harddrive and install a fresh one. Would probably take less time then trying to clean up the old one.

I have no idea where it came from. Some spy ware would remove it but it would regenerate its self every time. I spent countless hours searching the net for a fix. Many of the online computer geeks said they could probably fix it but warned you could possibly destroy your comp doing so. But there so called fixes didn't do anything for others so i didn't try them. They were so complicated and costly to buy programs. Would be cheaper to get a new HD as you suggested. Exterminate It was last resort before reformatting and it worked as posted above. I haven't had a problem since.

[Velocity]

Thanks for posting this aaa.

I just got something on my computer last night when I tried to download DivX and it blocked my security scans and I was getting a ton of pop-ups and just general annoying-ness ugh. So I downloaded this and paid to activate it out of desperation (it's the first virus thing I've ever bought) and it seemed to completely clear it up after I submitted the problem thing (that's a nice feature).

Thanks again!!

[Miss My Crome]

I have spybot and Norton on my computer...but be sure to download updates when they are available and not be lazy like me

[aaa]

Thanks for posting this aaa.

I just got something on my computer last night when I tried to download DivX and it blocked my security scans and I was getting a ton of pop-ups and just general annoying-ness ugh. So I downloaded this and paid to activate it out of desperation (it's the first virus thing I've ever bought) and it seemed to completely clear it up after I submitted the problem thing (that's a nice feature).

Thanks again!!

I'm not keen on paying either. It was desperation that lead me too also. Glad it worked for you also.

[Jackie]

trojans are definitely a major pain in the butt, definitely will keep this thread in mind if i ever have anything come up