removing malware

[Janet]

I ran some software with which you can locate malware on
your computer. You can run it free, but if you want it
removed, you have to sign up. I can't afford to right
now, so I copied down the information about the items it
flagged, 20 in the registry, 7 folders and 47 files.

I did find WildTangent 2 times rated as a threat
C:\Program Files\Wild Tangent and C:\Windows\wt both
deleted.

But I cannot find any of the rest of them, I searched
with the search function which is supposed to locate
things in hidden folders, but I cannot find any of the
rest of them. Is there some way to make the hidden files
visible so you can find things like that, or determine
that they are really not there, xsoftspy is just trying
to sell software or something?

while I was rumaging around looking for things, I found a
file in cookies in c:\documents and
settings\owner\Cookies that I cannot delete: index.dat.
When I try to delete it, I get the message: "Cannot
delete index: It is being used by another person or
program. Close any programs that might be using the file
and try again."

I cannot believe that I should not delete this, there was
nothing else running on my computer at the time but the
operating system. Is there any way to delete this file
even if I get the message?

 

[null]

I ran some software with which you can locate malware on
your computer. You can run it free, but if you want it
removed, you have to sign up. I can't afford to right
now, so I copied down the information about the items it
flagged, 20 in the registry, 7 folders and 47 files.

I did find WildTangent 2 times rated as a threat
C:\Program Files\Wild Tangent and C:\Windows\wt both
deleted.

But I cannot find any of the rest of them, I searched
with the search function which is supposed to locate
things in hidden folders, but I cannot find any of the
rest of them. Is there some way to make the hidden files
visible so you can find things like that, or determine
that they are really not there, xsoftspy is just trying
to sell software or something?

while I was rumaging around looking for things, I found a
file in cookies in c:\documents and
settings\owner\Cookies that I cannot delete: index.dat.
When I try to delete it, I get the message: "Cannot
delete index: It is being used by another person or
program. Close any programs that might be using the file
and try again."

I cannot believe that I should not delete this, there was
nothing else running on my computer at the time but the
operating system. Is there any way to delete this file
even if I get the message?

Use Ad-aware, Spybot, and Spyware Blaster - they're all free.

--
The reader should exercise normal caution and backup the Registry and
data files regularly, and especially before making any changes to their
PC, as well as performing regular virus and spyware scans. I am not
liable for problems or mishaps that occur from the reader using advice
posted here.

 

[Kevin K]

Hi Janet,

To remove spyware use one (or both) of these programs. (Both of them are
free):

Ad-Aware (free version):
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

Spybot - Search & Destroy:
http://spybot.eon.net.au/