Member Avatar for JackieBurrfoot

I got rid of AOL which had a free scanner with it so now i need to replace it. Can someone give me the link to a completely free spyware and virus scanner and removal program? Thanks

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A short, practical add-on to the thread: the program names suggested by and the thumbs-up from are useful, but it helps to think in terms of a simple, layered strategy rather than a single “best” name. Pick one resident (real‑time) AV for everyday protection, and supplement it with one or two on‑demand/offline tools and startup/rootkit checks for cleanup—running multiple real‑time engines at once causes conflicts and instability. (learn.microsoft.com)

A compact cleanup workflow that follows common best practice:

  1. Isolate the PC (remove network cable or disable Wi‑Fi).
  2. Boot to Safe Mode (or the Windows Recovery/Startup Settings menu) and run an up‑to‑date on‑demand scanner executable. (support.microsoft.com)
  3. If the system is badly infected or the scanner can’t remove something while Windows is running, scan from a rescue/boot disk environment and update its signatures before the scan. (learn.microsoft.com)

For cleanup and verification: use an autorun/startup viewer to find and disable suspicious startup items before deleting files, and verify any questionable file hashes on a multi‑engine scanner service before trusting a removal or deletion. If critical system files look damaged after a removal, run Windows repair utilities (for example sfc /scannow) or use recovery media rather than deleting more files. (learn.microsoft.com)

A couple of practical cautions that echo points from : false positives and vendor bugs happen. Before accepting a scanner’s automatic deletion of a critical file, check vendor advisories and a second opinion (on‑demand scan or an online multi‑engine check). Keep a current backup or recovery drive so reimaging is fast if needed, and keep the OS and security definitions current. (learn.microsoft.com)

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Member Avatar for jholland1964

I got rid of AOL which had a free scanner with it so now i need to replace it. Can someone give me the link to a completely free spyware and virus scanner and removal program? Thanks

The very best there is for spyware, malware, hijacker and trojan removal today is Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. It has updates at least every two days, sometimes more often than that. It's removal ability right now is, at least I feel, is second to none.
Another continuing good one to add is Spybot Search & Destroy, just DON'T use the TeaTimer portion.
As for anti-virus programs there are several very good free ones out there that many of us here use;
Antivir, Avast, AVG8 just to name 3.
Another MUST HAVE program is SpywareBlaster. It too is FREE and a plus...it doesn't run all the time in the background but protects against spyware, adware, browser hijackers, and dialers. I would not run a computer without it.

Member Avatar for cohen

+ 1 to Malwarebytes'
+ 1 to AVG

I recommend both of those, and Malwarebytes' will do a lot!

Member Avatar for jbennet

AVG is killing windows installs at tghe minute dont use it right now, theres a bug where it identifies critical system files as infected wrongly.

Member Avatar for cohen

AVG is killing windows installs at tghe minute dont use it right now, theres a bug where it identifies critical system files as infected wrongly.

Yes that is correct, but that is XP only.....

Member Avatar for jbennet

still it doesnt give a good impression

Member Avatar for cohen

still it doesnt give a good impression

Yeah, i would edit my post, but i can't :( :@

Member Avatar for jbennet

you cant after 30 mins, only i can then.

Member Avatar for cohen

you cant after 30 mins, only i can then.

OH, well that sucks, can you pls change it from AVG to Avast

Thanks :)

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