Unwanted Files

cramberg · 19th August 2003

While browsing the internet my computer has picked up various files that I do not want. I don't even know how they got there but I can only assume that bad links or links that I didn't think were trouple slipped them in through I.E. Mainly, I seem to have several "dialers" that I can't find or delete. The only way I even found out I had them was when I ran a SpyBot checker that listed these things as one of the searched areas. I ran regedit, but with my limited experience with it I really didn't touch anything for fear of really ******** up my computer. If anyone could help point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it.

**Miz** · 19th August 2003

You said you "ran a Spybot checker." Did you run the program "Spybot Search and Destroy"? If so, once it has scanned, if you click on the button "Fix selected problems," it should removed all it found.

Don't forget to update regularly whatever spyware scanner you use. Spyware writers are constantly re-writing to try to evade anti-spyware programs.

**PeteC** · 19th August 2003

Hi cramberg - Welcome to the Board

Do as miz suggests, but also run AdAware after Spybot and again delete all it finds.

Spybot and update before running.

AdAware and update before running.

This spyware is loaded from sites you visit - most 'phone home' to tell 'mother' of your surfing habits - some are 'data miners' which do much the same thing.

If you are not using a firewall please do - this will reduce the problem - try Kerio , highly recommended and freeware - and run Spybot and AdAware every couple of weeks or so, weekly if you like.

cramberg · 20th August 2003

cramberg · 20th August 2003

I went ahead and downloaded the ad-aware software and cleaned the system that way. It seems like it found some of the files that Spybot missed.
Thx for the assist