Expert: Lorry - 1/31/2008

Question
Lorry,

Thank you for your time.  I am having trouble with my computer.  Spyware scanners have been popping up on my computer.  They are driving me crazy.  I even went and used my system recovery discs to erase everything and put it on as new but the fake spyware scans are back.  What is the best program that I can buy to keep this off my computer?  I don't trust any of the downloads on the internet because I heard that they can actually put spyware on the computer.  Thank you.


Answer
Hi Tanya,

If you download from a known site, you should be a safe. Whenever you get pop-ups, just "X" out of them - nothing else. I would suggest using Internet Explorer and go to:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

Click the GO button, then under Virus Detection, click Start. You might be told that you need to download and install ActiveX Controls for the scan to work, answer Yes.

Write down exactly anything it finds, then go to: http://www.symantec.com/search/  and do a search for what was found. Symantec usually has a removal tool and/or directions for removing manually. Make sure that you follow the instructions for removal, step by step, especially the part regarding disabling System Restore.

Also download Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.5, a free program available from:

http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html

Check for updates before running the scan with Spybot.

Both of the above are safe.

hope this helps!
Lorry