SpyWare/AdWare Cleaners are Freezing at Update

[lkerr]

I am trying to clean a computer (purchased recently) which had a pretty bad spyware infection. I have downloaded cwshredder, AdAware, and SpyBot, but for some reason, every time I try to connect to their servers (using their links) for an update, all three of these programs will hang and fail. Spybot actually caused the whole system to freeze.

I am using Windows XP Pro SP2 on a 2-month old Dell. Unfortunately, all that is available is dial-up, so that is what I am using for the connection. I do have Norton Internet Security with the most recent (as of yesterday) updates.

Anyone know why this is happening?

 

[2ffat]

Spy/Ad-ware is notorious for preventing anti- programs from running and/or updating. Look at the FAQ in this forum under Spyware for starters. I would try HiJackThis (as mentioned in FAQ) and see if you can at least get the programs to update. Also don't forget to try Microsoft's AntiSpyware, too.

James P. Cottingham
-----------------------------------------
^{I'm number 1,229!
I'm number 1,229!}

 

[pechenegs]

try running these tools!



Download the Hoster from:

http://members.aol.com/toadbee/hoster.zip.

UnZip
the file and press "Restore Original Hosts" and press "OK". Exit Program.

http://www.funkytoad.com/download/hoster.zip

Download DelDomains.inf from here:

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/DelDomains.inf

Rightclick DelDomains.inf and choose install.

 

[erikhertzel]

Also, install MS Antispyware and download the following...

http://download.spynet.com/ASDefinitions/gcDeterminationData.gcd

http://download.spynet.com/ASDefinitions/gcThreatAuditScanData.gcd

http://download.spynet.com/ASDefinitions/gcThreatAuditThreatData.gcd

Then...

Copy/paste these files to Program files/Microsoft Antispyware
Restart Antispyware and "check for updates"

The .gcd files contains the latest definitions.

Erik

 

[lkerr]

2ffat -

I hadn't even thought of the Microsoft Anti-Spyware until you mentioned it. I downloaded it, but it is unable to update, as well, and also is hanging at update. Must be some serious (or at least seriously annoying) stuff!

pechenegs -

Silly question, but before I download and run, what do these tools do? (I always like to know before I start so I know what to expect.)

erik -

Workarounds for the automatic update? That could be just the ticket! I will try that when I get home tonight! Do you know if there are workarounds for any of the other programs mentioned?

 

[erikhertzel]

You can download Search & Destroy updates from their webpage as well as Ad-Aware updates, etc...for whatever program you want. That was just how to do it with Antispyware.

Erik

 

[pechenegs]

hoster restores your hosts file, many baddies like to alter your hosts file so yuo can't get to sites like symantec!

Deldomains will clear any trusted entries which might have been put there by a virus!

 

[lkerr]

First - Thank you all very much for your assistance! I apologize for the delay in updates, I was out of town for the weekend.

As it turns out, part of the problem was the Symantec. It was the "baddie" preventing the downloads, even though I had it disabled for the process. I uninstalled it and the downloads went through fine - I then reinstalled it.

I did manage, using AdAware, to find a spyware problem and eradicate it. I also ran an online virus check through TrendMicro's web site and found a virus that Symantec hadn't caught.

Thank you so much again for all your help - hopefully I've got it all cleared up, now!