Question and Answers about Adware.
Asked by real people.

Is adware harmless?

I read that "adware" simply puts pop-ups onto your computer screen when it is on. but does it actually go into your system and delete your information or what
Additional Details

I just wanted to make sure cuz my friend, no doubt, has adware.

Answer
Even if that were true, the ads still need to be downloaded, and some people pay for the amount of time they are online.

No matter how the ad companies try to downplay it, they are thugs for imposing their ads on people that way.

Have you downloaded these fake Adware/Spyware removers? List N-Z?

NetSpyProtector
NoSpyX
PAL Spyware Remover
PC AdWare SpyWare Removal
PC Security Shield
PCArmor
pcOrion
Privacy Champion
Privacy Defender
Privacy Tools 2004
Protect Your Identity
PurityScan /
PuritySweep
QuickCleaner
Real AdWareRemoverGold
RegFreeze
ScanSpyware
Scumware-Remover
Security iGuard
Spy-Ad Exterminator Pro
SpyAssasin
SpyAssault
SpyAxe
SpyBan
SpyBeware
SpyBlast
SpyBlocs/eBlocs.com
SpyBouncer
SpyBurn
SpyClean
SpyCleaner
Spy-Control
SpyDeleter
Spy Detector
SpyDoctor
SpyEliminator
SpyFerret
SpyFighter
SpyFirewall
SpyGuardian Pro
SpyHunter
SpyiKiller
Spyinator
Spy-Kill
SpyKiller
SpyKiller 2005
SpyKillerPro
SpyLax
SpyRemover
SpySheriff
SpySpotter
SpyVest
Spyware Annihilator
SpywareAssasin
SpywareAvenger
SpywareBeGone
SpywareCleaner
Spyware Cleaner & Pop-Up Blocker
Spyware C.O.P.
SpywareCrusher
Spyware Destroyer
Spyware FalconSpywareHound
SpywareKilla
SpyWare Killer
SpywareNuker
Spyware & Pop-Up Utility
Spyware & Pest Remover
Spyware Protection Pro
Spyware Remover
SpywareRemover
Spyware Slayer
Spyware Snooper
Spyware Stormer
Spyware
Suite 2005
SpywareTek / Spyware Removal System
SpywareThis
Spyware Vanisher
SpywareZapper
SpyWiper
Spyzooka
StopGuard
Stop-Sign
Super Spyware Remover
System Detective
Terminexor
The Adware Hunter
The Spyware Detective
TheSpywareKiller
The Web Shield
Top10Reviews SpyScan
TrueWatch
TZ Spyware Adware Remover
UControl
Ultimate Cleaner
VBouncer/AdDestroyer
WareOut Spyware Remover
WinAntiVirus

WinFixer
XoftSpy
X-Spyware
ZeroSpyware

Answer
The best way to prevent spyware is to not go to suspicious websites, open unknown attachments, click on links from spam, etc. Also, clear your cookies and run your anti-spyware program from time to time.

Will I get adware from Anti-Leech if I just download the plugin dll to use?

Hi everybody. I really want to download from anti-leech because so many people are using that to save their bandwidth but I really don't want adware (which Anti-Leech has). I was just wondering... If i download the dlls that Anti-Leech uses but not it's setup file, will I still get adware? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Answer
DLL's are just as powerful as EXE's. In fact, that's essentially what they are. Dynamic Library Links. They contain code that is used in more than one application.
If you must use it then I suggest installing it then installing/running NoAdware. Then if you continue using it then run NoAdware scans every 2 weeks or so.

How can I zap my adware/spyware?

My spyware and adware are seriously malicious. I have a tendency to leave my computer on overnight, and when I wake up in the morning and check it, I have 50+ popups. This is especially disappointing because I have a popup blocker. Anyways, I've been using Spybot - Search & Destroy, but I have a feeling it hasn't been getting everything.

Now, when I try to install a new adware/spyware removal program, my spyware (I'm assuming) shuts it down before I can even install it. I've tried downloading AdAware, but as soon as the window opens for me to install the program, it gets closed just as quickly. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I'd like to add that reformatting my computer is not preferable here. Please list some of your favorite adware/spyware blockers.. even if you have to pay to use them. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to free my computer from this damn spyware.

Answer

You may need to boot up in safe mode before running Adaware. The two programs that I use to clean most computers are Adaware and Spybot Search and Destroy. It sounds like you really need Spybot at this point.

After you get that, first start in your control panel and go to add/remove programs. Remove any programs that you or whomever uses this computer did not install. Then run Spybot. Spybot may want to restart the computer, if it goes through and wants to do this let it do this. It will run again before the whole OS boots and clean up things it missed the first time.

Hope that helps! You can get control of the problem, you just need to read up on everything and do searches on removing hard to remove spyware/adware. Be warned, it can take hours to clean up a machine. Good luck!

Disclaimer: I am in no way responsible for anything that happens to your computer if you use any of the suggestions on this blog.