Unfortunately not one program does a complete job, you have to use a couple of programs to keep your computer spyware/adware/browser hijack free - this info is nicked unashamedly from thedvdforums
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If you have a problem with pop-ups, or your homepage has changed or think Internet Explorer is acting strange then download and run the following tools.
Ad-Aware (
http://www.lavasoft.de/ )
Ad-Aware scans your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known datamining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components. Upon finding these components it will prompt you to remove them, make sure that all the boxes are ticked prior to removing. Also make sure that you update the ref file regularly.
Spybot (
http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download )
Similar to Ad-Aware in that it searches your harddisk for so-called spy- or adbots. Again make sure that the program is updated regularly.
CWShredder (
http://www.zen18097.zen.co.uk/spyware/CWShredder.exe )
This tool gets rid of the CWS trojan that hijacks Internet Explorer start and search settings to one of several different web sites. Most of these web sites appear to have an affiliate relationship with coolwebsearch.com in which coolwebsearch pays them for every visitor they refer.
HijackThis (
http://www.zen18097.zen.co.uk/spyware/HijackThis.exe )
HijackThis scans the locations in your computer system that may be modified by browser hijackers and fixes any problems found. Good tutorial on how to use it here
BHO Demon (
http://www.definitivesolutions.com/bhodemon.htm )
BHODemon protects you from unknown Browser Helper Objects (BHOs), by letting you enable/disable them individually.
ToolbarCop (
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/toolbarcop.htm )
This utility can be used as a Quick-Solution to remove Toolbar, Toolbar icons, and Browser Help Objects.
HTAstop (
http://www.nsclean.com/htastop.html )
HTAStop is a Freeware utility for disabling MS Hypertext Application (HTA), which is used by some trojans and browser hijackers.
Browser Hijack Blaster (
http://www.wilderssecurity.net/bhblaster.html )
Browser Hijack Blaster protects your system from browser hijackers and spyware that alters your Internet Explorer settings.
SpywareGuard (
http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html )
SpywareGuard provides a real-time protection solution against spyware.
SpywareBlaster (
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html )
SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents it from ever being installed.
Start Page Guard (
http://www.spywareinfo.com/downloads/spg/ )
This product allows you to set your Internet Explorer start page and then guards that setting against unauthorised changes. If something alters your homepage setting without your permission and doesn't let you change it back, this product will change it back for you.
IE-SPYAD (
http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm#IESPYAD )
IE-SPYAD is a Registry file (IE-ADS.REG) that adds a long list of known ad/spy servers and domains to the "Restricted Zone" of Internet Explorer. Once IE-ADS.REG is "merged" into your Registry, most ad/spy servers will not be able to resort to the usual "tricks" (e.g., cookies, scripts, popups, et al) that they use in order to track and monitor your behavior while you surf the Net.
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Messenger Service pop-ups (XP, 2000 and NT)
For Messenger Service pop-ups outside of your browser then visit this page which will show you how to stop the messenging service; it's for Windows NT, 2000 or XP only.
http://www.zen18097.zen.co.uk/messenger.htm
.. originally posted by Dan (mod @ thedvdforums.com), thread here;
http://jupiter.thedvdforums.com/forums/ ... p?t=261625
... the BHO Demon is really useful tool for totally stopping popup hijackers from browsers!
Ali