Best spyware removal 2011

Hi guys,

I'm quite new to the scene for upkeeping the security on my comp.

Would like some suggestion on what would be the best spyware removal?

I'm currently using McAfee(R) Security Center only.

I've heard good stuff about spybot search and destroy. Is it good?

 

Ouch, mcrappy is nearly malware in itself

MSE should cover what you need, spybot and similar programs are more for users who already know they are infected and need a specific tool to be rid of stuff.

 

For malware removal, I'd recommend to try out Malwarebytes'Antimalware/MBAM and HitmanPro3.

Both free versions offer removal functionality.
HitmanPro3 only for 30 days (full functionality trial period), after that period it's 'detection-only'.
MBAM free version is on-demand scanning only, it doesn't scan downloaded files automatically.

If you're interested in malware prevention, there's a whole different slew of OS functions and different programs available.

 

But can be launched with a right click from explorer.

 

Malwarebytes & Spybot s&d are the two I use when I have to fix somebodys computer.

 

Forget Mcafee, I had that for 4 years and paid 50 bucks annually, I couldn't afford to pay anymore and heard about Microsoft Security Essentials and since the beginning of this year since installing it, MSE has saved my computers more than 5 times nows from shady web sites and downloads.

Out of the 4 years I've paid for Mcafee it had about 2 detections and it wouldn't even detect the malicious sites that MSE saved me from.

Go for Microsoft Securtiy Essentials, does everything Mcafee does and for free. I don't even use Malwarebytes as much anymore, since I trust MSE so much.

 

just do weekly scans (or daily if you're paranoid) with Spybot S&D + Malwarebytes and you're good to go.

 

SpywareBlaster - program blocks known bad websites. Combine with MBAM and MSE like several others have mentioned and you are all set.

 

Thanks for all the info guys! I'll probably run Mcafee + Spybot S&D + Malwarebytes

 

I work with McAfee every day... worse software hard to find. Go for malwarebytes + ANY other antivirus.

 

So close, just take off Mcafee and your good to go.

 

Silario

Replace Mcafee with Avast, Avira or MSE (just pick one), remove Spybot and you're good to go.

MBAM is more than enough in terms of removal should the AV miss something (plus it's better to keep the system as clean as possible).

 

There's nothing preventing him to have spybots and not use the active protection either. MBAM, Spybots + AV may be a bit overkill but if Spybots and MBAM aren't taking up system resources there's nothing wrong to having both installed. Even on a C2D with 3/4GB RAM i don't see a difference with both an AV and spybots running in the background.

 

It's usually pointless though because to my knowledge, MBAM beats Spybot as far as dectection goes.

 

I've encountered some pretty tough malware, running multiple detectors one by one is the best practice. MBAM, Spybot, even good old Ad-Aware is sometimes needed. Superantispyware has proven to be effective too. I only use those as on-demand scanners when I clean some computer.

 

MBAM is what I use...right now on trial in real time....I see no slow down, even with Prevx and MSE running also (mutually excluded processes in settings for no conflicts) Prevx is good with that.

 

Hi folks,

Does MBAM really work? I run it and catches nothing!!! Then I run Defender (updated daily) in Quick Scan mode (On Demand) and viola ... something is caught (that is once in a while ... every so many months ... when I am on sites that I shouldn't be).

Also, SAS catches some more stuff ... but they tend to be ALL cookie type stuff.

Q: So I can have Spybot S&D installed and Use ONLY in On-Demand Scan option?

Thanks,

G!

 

Could be false positives. MBAM may also avoid certain tracking cookies that Defender doesn't.

And yes, you can just use ondemand.

 

Yes, you can.

Just turn off the Immunizer and you're good to go

 

Hi Silario,

Thanks dude!

G!

 

MBAM- Malwarebytes Anti-Malware free will do. Very effective.

 

Norton Power Eraser is very unique and does not need to be installed to work, it can be placed on a USB stick for emergencies.

 

Am I old fashioned if I stick to AVG?

 

I use MBAM for Spyware removal. It's done its job and is worth the money o_o
I also have Avira Antivir for my AV.
I used to use AVG, but then I started to not like it cause it was somewhat bloated?

 

Absolutely!

 

Anti-Malwarebytes Free does not have real-time protection, only Pro does. Don't get me wrong, it is a good security program. SuperAntiSpyware is also a good portable security scanner if you need to clean someone's computer.

When I am fixing someone's computer, I usually install them MSE and Web of Trust. Seems to work fine.

I tend to sway away from Avast and Avira because they both require yearly subscription renewal (even though they are free), which is something a computer novice might forget to do.

I have used AVG three times in the past (I reinstalled it 3 times). I kept giving it a second and third chance, but the reason I uninstalled it and don't use it now is because of the bad experience that I have had with them. AVG has really buggy updates, I wouldn't rely on AVG.

 

AVG if I'm not mistaken is also a bit of a bloatware by itself.
Regardless of the supposed improvements they made to it, it's still a sausage of a program for the most part, and in my experience manages to slow down system responsiveness a bit.

In terms of best spyware removal program... I would have to say MBAM to be my personal choice, and I don't see a reason for having an active protection in the bg at all times.
I only keep the AV active in the bg, so the free version of MBAM in combo with a decent AV such as MSE, Avira or Avast is a pretty good one.
I prefer keeping

 

Avira renews it's free license automatically, unlike Avast free edition, so you don't need to worry about anything when you have Avira free edition.

 

I've tried them all and Malware Bytes has been the best. AVG does suck up resources with its unannounced scans. I also use microsoft security essentials. Also, I would recommend getting C Cleaner. It will clear out a bunch of crap in histories which you can choose. It is also free.

 

+1 for MalwareBytes from me! Even the free version is fair, it just does not allow real time scanning!