[Rivera42]

I'm considering installing SUPERantispyware on my computer.
I already have Avast Antivirus, SpywareBlaster, Spybot SD, AdAware 07, A Squared Free, and a couple of other standalones. However, I have heard this product mentioned quite a bit here and elsewhere around the Net and I was hoping for some constructive advice on the subject.

In the same vein, I have been hearing about a program called ERUNT and was hoping for some insight here as well.

[lotuseclat79]

By far the best commercial product for AS is Webroot's SpySweeper. It has lightweight runtime monitors that I really enjoyed when I used it. Now, I no longer use WinXP Pro SP2, but Linux.

-- Tom

[Rivera42]

I tried SpySweeper once, I didn't find it to my liking. Thanks though.

[smeegle]

I liked Superantispyware so much that I bought the Pro version of it. I have one other anti spyware program installed just for safety sake. You already have four and in my non professional opinion I should think your os would be quite secure by now.
You didn't mention a firewall. I hope that you have one.

[Rivera42]

I use the XP firewall.

I just wonder about all these claims I hear in places like download.com's review section, things like SAS saved people from spyware no other apps could find. Hype?

What else I hear about SAS is that if you don't want to keep it, it's a pain to uninstall. True?

[Byteman]

Hi,

Never had a problem uninstalling SAS, either version Pro or Free.

You could use SUPERantispyware Free Edn. as it does not provide any real time protection so it should not interfere with other security apps. There are easily configurable settings to set it not to start up, scan, or anything when Windows starts up.

The only thing it does is put up a small splash window at bootup time.

SAS does a very good job at detecting and removing malware- even the free version.

I've used it on quite a few heavily infected computers, along with the other tools and have seen SpyBot Search and Destroy pick up leftovers that SAS left alone, for example Registry entries (probably and most likely harmless ones)...

That's not to say that it did not detect that malware, it did- but for some reason, is not as deep seeking as SpyBot for leftover Registry entries.... and that is a very minor inconvenience IMHO.

Always scan badly infected computers with more than one antispyware app and also use an online scanner.

You will see the special tools mentioned here in threads, those like ComboFix can be used with help from an advisor as they change a lot, often from day to day, and require the most recent help.

[Rivera42]

I've installed SAS on my old computer to see how I like it. I've enabled home page protection and disabled start-with-Windows. Are there any other settings or adjustments this community recommends? And I notice there is a tool included that claims ability to repair the System Restore feature. What a tempting button to click on. But not when I don't know what I'm doing!

[Rivera42]

I also don't get why SAS hangs around in my system tray; the free version isn't realtime so...???

[Byteman]

I don't know why it has that bit running in the tray- that is one feature you can't turn off in the free version.

Might be their forum could answer your question.

I just right click and "Exit" that, just to ensure nothing will conflct.

It's never caused any problems I am aware of at any time, even with the "start up with Windows" ENabled...

One of the more well behaved apps, and a really good removal tool.

[RootbeaR]

Originally Posted by Rivera42

I also don't get why SAS hangs around in my system tray; the free version isn't realtime so...???

I had mine set so that it did not check for updates or start until I desired it too. The only time it was in my tray was when using it. Just r-click it and exit-close.

If you set yours to manual, don't forget to check for updates before running. There will be an option right there on opening screen to do so.

I found it to be an excellent program.

[Gizzy]

to stop it from showing in the system tray just open the preferences in SAS and uncheck the option,

"Show SUPERAntiSpyware icon in system tray"

[jmw3]

Another one to check out is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

Originally Posted by Rivera42

In the same vein, I have been hearing about a program called ERUNT and was hoping for some insight here as well.

I believe this is used for backing up your registry.

[Rivera42]

I believe this is used for backing up your registry.

There's a tool in SpywareBlaster that takes a registry "snapshot." Is that more or less the same thing, or is it even in the same league?

[jmw3]

Two different things. SpywareBlaster takes a 'System' snapshot of various settings on your pc not the entrie registry, whereas Erunt is a tool used to back up your entire registry before you make changes to it.

[Rivera42]

Would the "System Snapshot" ever be useful in ordinary daily computing? In the event System Restore should fail, for instance?