Windows XP gurus, please help (spyware b.s.)

[hanselthecaretaker]

I have a major problem with spyware on my comp, I called Dell and spoke to two different "experts". The first said that I have to reinstall XP because the spyware is embedded in the Operating system. Then I talked to a friend who said I could use Ad Aware and Registry Mechanic. I called Dell again and a different person said that would work. WTF.

I backed up all my important files and I can barely use my comp. as it's so slow, can't open more than one file, processes are running at 100% in windows task manager.
Will those above programs(ad aware and registry mechanic) get rid of ALL my problems in XP, or should I just reinstall to be completely sure? I want my pc bulletproof from now on,(I heard Spybot helps) and don't want any shit left over that will fuck it up again.

Please give your opinions.

Thank you.

 

[Dial_tone]

Most people are good with Spybot, although I use a program called The Cleaner because it's written by a friend of mine. What I would probably do is open the Task Manager and look on the Processes tab. You'll see all the exe's (progams) that are currently running. Look for things with unfamiliar/bizarre names like sfdfad.exe. Install Spybot and let it do it's thing. Also get an antivirus program. You need antivirus, anti-spyware and a firewall to really be safe with Windows.

 

[KA-BAR]

Tons of spyware remover programs. I lke spy sweeper but I am willing to bet you have some viruses thats this program will not get rid of. If they do get rid of them they virus will just install them back on your computer.

Download CWShredder, unzip it, start the program hit the fix button.

IN control Panel - add/ remove programs
uninstall:

SyncroAD
Web_Rebates
NavExcel
and whatever else you dont think should be there

Reboot

With all other windows closed have HijackThis del alot of items that do not belong. I will have to find a list if you are not familar with what to del.

After that reboot.

Make sure you can see all files. In Control Panel - Folder Options - View check ""Show all files and folders" and uncheck "hice protected operating system files"

Search for and delete these files:
msvxd.exe
msvxd16.dll
msvxd32.dll

Hell there are lots more but those are most common.

Delete these folders:

C:\program files\web_rebates
c:\program files\windows syncroad
c:\program files\navexcel search toolbar

Delete the content of these folders:
C:\document and settings\paul\local

Also Update your norton or whatever virus protection you use and run a full scan. I use norton and when its done it shut it all the way down and run AVG. Actually i think AVG might even be better. I just started using it and it has found a virus that norton did not.

 

[IKILLPEOPLE]

No.. Just kill yourself

 

[Mr. dB]

Uninstall and/or delete anything related to Visionmaster or WildTangent too.

 

[HdanSjr]

I had the same issue about a month ago, my computer was SLOW. The CPU usage was at 99 or 100% with no known processes running, and i was even in safe mode. the "tech" help that i called, i have a Sony Viao, informed me that i had a virus or a piece of spywear that was imbedded in my operating system, so i just backed up all my shit and reinstalled Xp. One thing i am trying to keep up on now is all of the windows updates, i think i got the problem by not staying updated with the patches. good luck with whatever you do.

 

[Carmen]

Tons of spyware remover programs. I lke spy sweeper but I am willing to bet you have some viruses thats this program will not get rid of. If they do get rid of them they virus will just install them back on your computer.

Download CWShredder, unzip it, start the program hit the fix button.

i love cwshredder.
my kids seem to click yes to anything that pops up on their computers and i have to go around removing things.

 

[AAP]

where to get cwshedder? it sounds awesome.

 

[Burning_Inside]

omfg i have never ever had to reinstall windows cause spyware was EMBEDDED in my OS, lol i think that's crap.

Seriously all you need is an antivirus, spybot, and ad aware SE personal. And I guess the cleaner because it's dt's friends program. i have never run into a spyware program i couldnt get rid of with those 3 programs.

get avg antivirus free edition, it works well.

 

[Carmen]

where to get cwshedder? it sounds awesome.

i don't remember now, do a google search.
i've had to edit my registry a number of times and delete some things that were in my (my kids) startup files.
the only thing i ever got on my own computer was from downloading a game cheat- it had a backdoor attached so that a hacker could take over anything they wanted- my passwords and stuff, as well as take control of my mouse, my files, my keystrokes, etc.
i had to install the hackers version of it in order to delete it, but i got rid of it eventually.