Member Avatar for QKSTechTrainee

hello - not been on for a while

I suspect that my machine (win2k) may be contaminated with spyware and the like. could anyone recommend a good (preferably freeware) tool for scanning and/or removing this stuff? My Norton firewall etc. doesnt seem to be enough to keep me secure....


Thanks

Sam


duuuhhhhh - sorry - read the 709 processes thread below and do the work yourself.....

  • 4 Contributors
  • 3 Replies
  • 212 Views
  • 9 Hours Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by caperjack

Dani AI

Generated

A concise, practical checklist and a few cautions to complement the suggestions already posted by , and the warning from .

Before scanning: back up important data to external media and export the registry (use Regedit’s Export) so changes can be reversed if needed. If the PC is networked, disconnect it (unplug or disable networking) to limit data exfiltration while cleaning. Keep all removal tools up to date before any scan.

Recommended cleanup sequence:

  1. Update anti‑spyware definitions in normal mode, then reboot into Safe Mode.
  2. Run full scans with each scanner in turn, allow quarantine, then reboot and repeat until no detections reappear.
  3. If an infection resists removal, scan offline with a rescue/boot CD or a rootkit detector.
  4. Preserve and save scanner logs for later review — logs are much more useful than ad‑hoc deletions.

About advanced tools and logs: HijackThis is a log/diagnostic tool rather than a simple “fixer.” As noted, its auto‑fix options are risky for novices; it’s best used to produce a log for analysis, not to blindly delete entries. Many legitimate system entries resemble malware; mistaken removals can destabilize Windows.

Additional checks and hardening: review the Startup folder, Scheduled Tasks and Services for unfamiliar entries; inspect running processes with a detailed process viewer to confirm file locations and signatures; run a network check (established connections) to spot active backdoors; clear temp files and browser add‑ons; change important passwords after cleaning. If an infection appears deep or unpredictable, a clean reinstall or image restore is the most reliable way to regain a trusted system state.

Recommended Answers

All 3 Replies

Member Avatar for steosaur(oWn)

yea adaware (make sure you update it), spybot, and hijackhthis are top three

Member Avatar for caperjack

hijackhthis ,is not recomended for a novice computer user ,and is a removal tool used after spybot and ad-aware by someone who knows how to use it right .

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.