Getting rid of adware

[whickums]

So, among doing a routine virus scan, I've discovered that I have 5 separate adware files (?correct word?). I tried to delete them through my antivirus but all 5 failed. Anyone more savvy with this area than I am and can shed some light as to how to cure my computer's ailments?

 

[TexasOwnzYou]

try spybot/ad-aware/spysweeper.

 

[wherzwaldo]

This board needs a sticky with this kind of info in it.

 

[hollisdude]

You don't use a virus-protection to get "crapware" (the more accurate term). Do a Google for Ad-aware and go get it (free). This will get you started correctly. Whatever it finds - let it delete it.

 

[jmatt]

Cut and pasted from another post about whether or not you can delete IE:

Get yourself copies of Spybot, Ad-Aware, and Spyware Blaster, they're all free. Make sure they're up-to-date and run them one at a time and delete or restrict as they prompt.

You probably should also add HijackThis, here's a good place to get some help on using it:

Major Geeks

Read the "sticky" posts first for some generic help and how to use their forum.

Specifically this one:

Spyware Help

On your IE, set it to highest security (Tools/Internet Options/Security). Except, you do need to put the "Microsoft Windows Update" areas ("http://*.windowsupdate.microsoft.com" and ""http://*.windowsupdate.com") into the "Trusted Sites" area (Tools/Internet Options/Security, click on "Trusted Sites" then the "Sites" button) and set their permissions to low security.

Oh, and DO NOT use IE for anything except Windows Updates, get yourself a copy of Mozilla or something.

 

[bularry]

I've got something on my computer that keeps duplicating itself. I run ad-ware and spybot, they delete some crap and then 30 minutes later it is all back.

not sure what to do to find the root of the problem