My computer is infected with adware and malware, and I can’t afford to buy an antivirus program right now (though I will when I can). I need a free program but so far I’ve only found programs that offer a free scan and then want you to buy it before they’ll remove anything. Well, I tried SPYBOT, but it only removed some of the problems, and my computer is still infected.
Is there any other program that I can try?
I have had good experience with AVG Free. It catches nasty stuff other antivirus programs did not clean up.
You might sometimes get popup to upgrade to the paid version, but I am OK with that.
Spybot is really good for cleaning spyware (tracking cookies), but not viruses. You really need to use both an antivirus and an anti-spyware.
Link to AVG below
AVG FREE…. i have used for two years. It’s as free as it gets. no to mention, it works alot better than anything i have tried in the past
Try AVG. They have a free edition of their virus removal and scanning software, and it covers every hole that Spybot Search and Destroy doesn’t. Plus, the free version is completely free, and never pesters you to update it or purchase it. You can Google it, it’s not hard to find.
download malwarebytes antimalware…the free version…update it then do a full system scan…it removes most of the spywares and malwares.
Malwarebytes is free to try, so it would at least remove what you have now.
Adaware is another free one.
try CCleaner
http://www.avast.com
avast! is totally free. Just make sure when you visit their website, select the home version if you don’t want to pay for it.
AVG is good, also you can try Avira Antivirus Personal Edition from http://www.free-av.com
One only, Avast is very good for a freebie
Avast: http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-compare-home-professional.html
AntiVir: http://www.free-av.com/en/products/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html
AVG: http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition
PCTools: http://www.pctools.com/free-antivirus/
Also, one or both Malwarebytes Anti-Malware / SuperAntiSpyware:
http://www.malwarebytes.org
http://www.superantispyware.com
All round protection: Use AVG free this program will stop virus’s getting in and will pick up alot of virus’s on your Pc
Adware protection: I’d recommend using Lava-soft Adware 09 (Free version)
Spyware: I’d recommend Spybot Search and destroy, This will get rid of cookie’s and other files that try to compromise your security.
Best thing to do now is to get a free trial from one of the major companies and use that to clear up the problems you have now. Have a look at the reviews and download links for the latest software from the main antivirus companies at http://www.datadefender.net. I recommend Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 or ESET Smart Security. The trial programs are fully functional, but time limited to 15, 30 or 60 days (Kaspersky and ESET are both 30 days). You can keep using the program until the trial runs out and then you have to buy a licence to keep using it.
If you want to change it for a free program once the trial expires, try AVG or Avast! They are quite good, but not as good as the paid ones and may not be able to clear up the problems you have now.
When downloading/ installing an antivirus you may have to restart your computer in safe mode with networking if the malware is preventing access to the internet (restart, keep hitting ‘F8′ until the options screen comes up, select ‘Safe mode with networking’). You should now be able to download, install, update and run an antivirus program. Don’t forget to do a full system scan, not a quick scan.