[hewwo2u2]

I hate having extra things on my computer and since I've gotten on here for help with some problems I've been having, I've downloaded 3 things. Can you please tell me what I can remove and what I need to keep?

1.) MBAM - is this similar to SpyBot or AdAware (I have both of these as well)? I'm debating on whether or not I should remove AdAware but I do recall it finding a few different things from SpyBot. A new update is available for it which I downloaded but have not installed yet. Before I did, I wanted to ask if I should start to use this [Adaware] more often or get rid of it all together? I guess one more question I have is how much room does it take. I once had an antivirus program that took up a lot of room, and I don't what this to be the case again. What are the differences between these 3 programs, and which do you recommend keeping and using and which should I remove? Also could you tell me how often I should run these programs?

2.) Hi Jack This - Does this need to stay on my computer? I don't see myself ever using it unless I need help from here again as I know nothing about what it does. what are the benefits of keeping this on my computer?

3.) GMER- see #2

thanks in advance!

[AKAJohnDoe]

I do not have any of those three (MBAM, HJT, GMER) currently installed; however, I do have all three of those available to be installed should I need them, along with SAS (SuperAntiSpyware).

I do not have SpyBot at all anymore.

I tried AdAware and CounterSpy, but did not keep either of them either.

[perfume]

Dear friend,
Though "malware" by definition includes many infections, it's a safe bet to have software specialized to detect Viruses, spyware, trojans and malware. I am posting a link below from wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malware

1) AD-aware is not a "must have" in my opinion because if you have a top of the heap A-V internet security suite,like ESET or KIS2009, while you are online, it does the job which Ad-aware is supposed to do,and that too in real time+.

2) SAS (PRO-my preference) is excellent and the updates are awesome. SAS Pro has already released a virus signature against the Conficker virus which is being discussed in this forum right now. Daily updates and scanning is necessary.

3) Spybot is a time tested spyware, but because you don't want to clutter your PC, with SAS PRO on the prowl (real time+) ,you "may" do away with Spybot, though the RECOMMENDATION IS TO HAVE TWO ANTI-SPYWARES.

4)Now coming to the most important of all, MBAM (again the bought version) is top notch! It is a real "must-have"!

5) Though you haven't brought up the issue of fortstessing your browser "SANDBOXIE" is right at the top,WHEN YOU ARE ONLINE!

I sincerely apologize to rOAd(can't completely spell his/her full user name as it's up and down) when i initially ,rubbished Sandboxie!

Iam posting below a snapshot of the awesome power of KIS2009 as an Ad-blocker.

[1002richards]

Hi,
In addition to perfume's advice, useful reading here:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/how-...re-your-pc.php

Talks about different ways to accomplish this, offering options based on needs/experience.
I use firewall, AV and Sandboxie - well impressed with Sandboxie as I've had no probs with it in XP or Vista.

Richard

[Cookiegal]

Since it was me who had you download those programs, I'll give you my comments.

I would keep MBAM and you can get SAS if you like but only one should have real-time protection running (so that would be a paid version).

You should remove HijackThis as we don't recommend using it on your own and you can always download it again whenever necessary. That way you will be sure to get the latest version as well. It can be removed via the Control Panel - Add or Remove Programs.

You can delete GMER by dong the following. (It's to check for rootkits and again, you can download it again if needed.)

Start C:\WINDOWS\gmer_uninstall.cmd script and reboot

I don't think Ad-Aware is going to make any difference one way or the other, especially if you manage your cookies properly, so if you want to free up some space you could remove it.

Spybot S&D has a hosts file feature that you can use but other than that, with MBAM and SAS you don't really need it either.

On average, you should probably run the on-demand scanners one a week but it depends on the individual.

[Gizzy]

Hello Cookiegal,

Shouldn't he/she run the uninstall file for gmer?

[Cookiegal]

Originally Posted by Gizzy

Hello Cookiegal,

Shouldn't he/she run the uninstall file for gmer?

Yes, you are correct. I'll edit my post to reflect that.

This is from the GMER site on how to uninstall GMER.

Start C:\WINDOWS\gmer_uninstall.cmd script and reboot

[hewwo2u2]

okay, thank you everyone!

I should have probably made myself more clear here. Which free programs are best to keep if I don't have the resources right now to purchase any of the full (real-time) versions?

[hewwo2u2]

I am having trouble with this uninstall file...at first it said "access denied" so I tried right clicking and selecting "run as administrator" and I'm still having problems. This is what it says:


C:\Windows\system32>sc delete gmer
[SC] DeleteService SUCCESS

C:\Windows\system32>del system32\drivers\gmer.sys
The system cannot find the path specified.

C:\Windows\system32>del gmer.dll
Could Not Find C:\Windows\system32\gmer.dll

C:\Windows\system32>del gmer.exe
Could Not Find C:\Windows\system32\gmer.exe

C:\Windows\system32>pause
Press any key to continue . . .

[Cookiegal]

Had you by any chance already dragged the GMER exe to the recycle bin before trying to run the uninstall file as per my first instructions that were incorrect?

[1002richards]

Originally Posted by hewwo2u2

okay, thank you everyone!

I should have probably made myself more clear here. Which free programs are best to keep if I don't have the resources right now to purchase any of the full (real-time) versions?

Not sure if resources = $ or space, but if you are looking for impartial reviews of freeware this site well worth a look:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/


If 'space' this site has loads of freeware designed to be run from USB/flashdrives so not using space on hardrive:

http://www.portablefreeware.com/about.php

Richard

[hewwo2u2]

Originally Posted by Cookiegal

Had you by any chance already dragged the GMER exe to the recycle bin before trying to run the uninstall file as per my first instructions that were incorrect?

no, the program is still on my desktop

[hewwo2u2]

Originally Posted by 1002richards

Not sure if resources = $ or space, but if you are looking for impartial reviews of freeware this site well worth a look:

http://www.techsupportalert.com/


If 'space' this site has loads of freeware designed to be run from USB/flashdrives so not using space on hardrive:

http://www.portablefreeware.com/about.php

Richard

resources = money AND space. Thanks for the info

[Cookiegal]

It looks like the uninstaller may not be working properly on Vista. Those files are located in C:\Windows on XP and not in C:\Windows\System32.

Since it did delete the service, I would just go ahead and manually delete these files:

C:\Windows\system32\drivers\gmer.sys
C:\Windows\system32\gmer.dll
C:\Windows\system32\gmer.exe

If they aren't in System32 then look in C:\Windows only.

[1002richards]

You're welcome.