Risk of Using Anti-Spyware

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TSG:
I'm Running:
- OEM Windows XP Home Edition 2002, Service Pack 1 (all critical updates)
- AMD Athlon P2100+ processor (1.73 GHz)
- NForce K7N2G version 1.2 ATX motherboard
- MSI CR52-A2, 52x24x52 CD-RW (ATAPI) with Nero-Burning bundled
- MSI 16x DVD-ROM (ATAPI)
- STOMP Backup MyPc 4.85
- Norton Antivirus 2003
- Zone Alarm Software Firewall

I downloaded SpyBot Search and Destroy anti-spyware, but I'm afraid to launch it!!

The SpyBot disclaimers state that all kinds of programs could be rendered inoperable if SpyBot deletes bundled files that are infected!

The SpyBot system-check showed a fair, but not huge number of infected programs; only one rated "high-risk", and all others rated medium to low-risk.

Question 1: If I encounter a problem using SpyBot, and I use the Spybot "undo" feature, will that be enough to return my computer to its' former state?

Question 2: If "undo" doesn't work, will System Restore return my computer to its' former state?

I understand that I am solely responsible for any actions I take, but I would appreciate your professional advice. THANKS!!

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[Big-K]

Creating a system restore should help. What is the high risk one, and what are the mid risk ones?

Be sure to use adaware too. And use them on a regular bassis

 

[Triple6]

Yes, some programs will stop working. Howver this is a good thing, there are no quality programs using spyware. Kazaa is an example of a program that will most likely stop working, but considering all teh problems kazaa has and all the alternatives its not a big problem.

Run Spybot, I would also recommend Adaware which is similar, and fix all problems it finds. You'll be a hundred times better off. The stuff it removes are all malicous items as bad if not worse then viruses.

Spybot and Adaware both have Backup and Recovery options if you ever feel the need to restore something.

Both Adaware and Spybot are highly recommended here and used widely.

 

[PhilipL42]

I recently installed SpyBot in a similar environment. It found a LOT of spyware on my system. I cleaned it all. No problems occured with any of my applications.

 

[adf]

PhilipL42:

Thanks for the information.

I went ahead and launched the SpyBot, and the results were great!

Again, thanks for the reassurance!

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