Computer help please!

[birdy]

Okay, I have had this computer for only a few months, I was extra careful not to download anything that might introduce spyware, I have ad-aware SE, spybot, and my Norton checks for spyware. I have tons and tons and tons, everytime I run ad-aware I have more than 300. Is there anything that stops them before they get into the comptuter??
Second question, I cannot get all of them off the computer, the same ones keep popping up. putting --- websites on my favorites list (or should I blame my husband for that?). Anyway I am going to save all my crap and restore the computer but I don't have a clue how to do it.
Please explain anything in very simple terms, computers for dummies.
Thanks.

 

[brit0211]

hm, i'm not sure but i really dont think --- related websites would just show up unless someone was going to them (or related sites), especially in your favorites section.
if you have all of the protective software, I think you should be okay.:notsure:

 

[birdy]

I was joking about that, I know for a fact the stuff getting added to my favorites list is coming from spyware.

 

[pwnag3!!]

the thing is....
--- related sites come up from other --- related sites.
Most spyware and ad ware programs dont deliver your "

[hr]
----" banners.... someone in your house is being naughty, maybe you should talk to your husband

 

[scotts]

First of all how computer savvy are you. I have fought the was against ads and I think I am winning. However in my case I had to do more than just clicking on icons. Even one program, specifically ncase also called 180solution, can bring up major pop ups. One question though, are you sure that your Norton is on? and also what Norton is it, there are about 6 different Norton products and they all do different things. So you have to buy all 6, convenient huh?
Scott

 

[pwnag3!!]

this is how i ended my battle with spyware/ad ware
I used spybot. cleaned everything up
Control Panel/Add remove programs/ and deleted anything that was questionable
then i got firefox.
I have not had any problems for about 4 months now....
that measn every week i have had to clean nothing with spybot!!!

 

[birdy]

I know the spyware from the --- sites came from a --- site, I don't really care, I know he hasn't been on anything for a while (he has not been on the computer in weeks). So now I have to figure out how to get rid of it.
So now I need to know how to reformat my computer then I am going to either Foxfire or Moxilla. IE is the worst!

 

[pwnag3!!]

mozilla makes firefox.... so go with fire fox

 

[birdy]

Thanks! So anyone know how to wipe my computer clean??

 

[brit0211]

you could reformat it, which would get rid of everything -
if you had all of the disks to add the programs again
if not, that would be a bad idea

 

[pwnag3!!]

most reliable and secure way is to reformat.... back up everything you need first.
then re install windows.

 

[mouse03245]

You could also run a disk clean up and delete all your temporary internet files.Usually you can see all the files and check the ones you want to delete.Or do as I do and delete them all.I also purchased Internet Cleanup that covers your tracks and helps with the pop ups.Id you check out worldstart.com they have all kinds of ideas and tips for running a smooth computer.Good luck! Ps Internet cleanup is pretty cheap....I paid 12.95 for mine on worldstart and i love it!