Stomping out spyware

This question arrived in my Inbox today:

I’ve used Spybot S&D daily as well as Ad-aware since you suggested it a short time ago. However, the problem continues. In my case, it doesn’t appear to be “pop-ups” that are the problem, but “pop-unders”. The darn things pop-up (sometimes two or more as I close IE).

First of all, you shouldn’t have to use either program daily. These are clean-up utilities, and you need to use them only after you’ve installed a program that you think may have added something nasty to your computer, or when your computer is displaying symptoms of spyware (excessive pop-up windows at sites that don’t normally display pop-ups is one such sign).

Have you downloaded the most recent updates for both programs?

It is possible, indeed likely, that you are infected with a spyware program that is either not detected by these utilities or is actively suppressing their ability to work. Some variations of the CoolWebSearch “virus” will do that, for example. These invaders are ugly and persistent programs.

If you’re suffering from similar symptoms, I strongly encourage you to go to SpyWareInfo.com. Read the FAQ, What to Do If Your Browser Has Gone Crazy. Follow the link to the tutorial on how to remove spyware. If Ad-aware and Spybot don’t work, you will probably need to download a utility called HijackThis (you’ll find a link at the beginning of the detailed instructions) and post your results on the SpywareInfo forum. However, don’t do this until you have read through the FAQs.

Whatever you do, don’t delude yourself into thinking that this is too much trouble or that you can just put up with the nuisance. A number of these programs also contain Trojan horse software that can open your system to further infections and allow someone to steal passwords to sensitive data, such as your bank account login. A Trojan horse can also make identity theft a reality. If you think this “infection” is hard to get rid of, try cleaning up your credit report after someone has stolen your identity.

Good luck.