How do you know if it's legitimate ?

[daveza]

I have always used Spybot and Hijackthis to solve spyware problems and will probably continue to do so - both free and almost always do the trick.

But sometimes one wants to run something else to check if these have possibly missed something.

The problem is that most of the apps googled are themselves little more than malware or cash-seekers.

If you go to the websites of these programs they look legitimate and often have glowing reviews. But anyone can praise their own product on their own website.

Superantispyware and Malwareblaster are two that come up regularly.

Is there a trusted site that will offer an honest review of what's available ?

 

[[OUPA]MrNutz]

my 2c:

- disable system restore
- run ccleaner (crap cleaner)
- run spybot s&d 1.6
- run avast boot scan
- worst case scenario i use the trend micro online virus scanner afterwards.

 

[daveza]

Thanks - didn't know that 1.6 had been released.

 

[Threepwood]

my 2c:

- disable system restore
- run ccleaner (crap cleaner)
- run spybot s&d 1.6
- run avast boot scan
- worst case scenario i use the trend micro online virus scanner afterwards.

Why disable System Restore?

 

[qinglung]

According to the editor (and some of the user comments) of the "Best Free Adware/Spyware/Scumware Remover" category at TechSupportAlert, SuperAntiSpyware and MalwareBytes Anti-Malware are the two top contenders. Have a look for yourself: http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-adware-spyware-scumware-remover.htm.

 

[gregmcc]

my 2c:

- disable system restore
- run ccleaner (crap cleaner)
- run spybot s&d 1.6
- run avast boot scan
- worst case scenario i use the trend micro online virus scanner afterwards.

+1

If you stick to ad-aware/pybot you can't go wrong. There's tons of AV/antispyware apps out there that aren't legit.