Are Anti spyware Programs for Real

I ran sweeps with two different anti spyware free sweeps. Each said I was infected with different infections (besides cookies). To remove, I need to buy the program. AdAware, which I have used for a long time hasn't ever found anything serious. Am I seeing marketing gimmicks here?

 

10-4 to that!

Now download and run

http://www.malwarebytes.org/rogueremover.php

here is a listing of fake Spy Aadwre removers
http://spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

Mike

 

There are indeed many apps which will give you false\positives to goad you into purchasing. But not all are this way. Some are honest false\positives.

The general rule is to stay away from apps which use this business practice. Odds are very likely that you can find a freeware solution to remove any legit claims.

There is another good link, also on the page Mike referenced, which would be the trustworthy anti-spyware apps

And unless you have any unwanted pop-ups, indicating you're infected you will probably not need to use RogueRemover. It is very specific in its removal database. Pretty much any of the SmithFraud\Zlob variants can be removed with it.

Without knowing which app you 'tested' we can't be sure if there is any problem at all.

 

http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=62278

Thanks for the help re anti-spyware apps. I'll stick to two of the well known.