Spyware help

Last week I attempted to update my Spybot software. Window pops up on screen saying "Error cannot down load updates" so I uninstalled it and loaded it again from the site. Starts ok, then it says "I need to update" so I click on the update, yes!!! Again the Error message appears

I had an idea something was wrong, so I downloaded a free version of Spy Doctor. Loaded and ran it, It said I need to update it's spyware data base, so I click the button....Again the error window pops up ahhhhh I'm getting the feeling some malware is stopping me downloading updates from these sites.

So I go to MS to try and download the 'Malicious software removal tool' click to download then I get "Page not found" I'm positive some nasty is lurking on my HD that stops me downloading from anti spyware sites.

I was thinking of buying anti spyware software at my local store or online. But the thing is if it needs a download update before it runs I might get the same 'blocking' from this suspected nasty.

I mainly use FireFox. This problem also happens using IE. My anti virus is Avast (pick nothing up doing a full scan) I'm running XP

Any advice much appreciated.

Daz

Have you tried to identify it with hijackthis?!?

http://www.hijackthis.de/en

Pretty simple to use and it will tell you which sort of programs are running on your machine.

Just download it (top right), do a search, and enter the logfile in the textbox.

Monkey D. Ruffy

Thanks for reply Monkey D.Ruffy
I download the link and ran it. Unfortunately (not too pc savvy) it listed about 30 files, but did not identify any nasty ones as far as I could understand.

Guess I'll get the pc fixer in to have a looksie at my pc. Your help was most appreciated.

Daz

I had a similar virus a while back. It also redirected the links on Google to ad sites. I had to use another pc to search for the solution on the internet. I finally found a file that I had to disable that would then let me download the spyware programs to eliminate the virus. Malwarebytes (freeware) actually worked the best against that particular virus, but you have to disable the file to get the spyware loaded.

If you take the Hard Drive to a machine with fully updated security software, it can scan and remove whatever you have easier than simply running what is already on your machine because the spyware won't be loaded into memory.

Just my two cents about my experience with spyware stuff. I bought a product called "Spyware Doctor" from PC Tools. Biggest frigging mistake ever. After installing it, my computer was bombarded with so many pop-ups, it made using my pc almost impossible. It took awhile to get THAT problem straightened out. But once it was, I threw the disc out into the street and watched large trucks run it over.

boot in safe mode with networking and then update your AV software

Never have used your spybot software.

Don't know if this may help but;

I had a similar problem with a free antivir-software.
I wasn't able to update it.

I googled for the newest virus-definition.
I downloaded the newest virus-definition
and installed it manually with copying it in
the required folder (directory).
Restarted the software = it was updated.

Thanks for all your replies, I shall be trying a few suggestions from your posts. Good to know there are people out there willing to help another.

I thank you all.

Daz

jimmaxmed wrote:

I thought the old versons of spyware doctor was crap but pretty happy with the new one. Runns much easyer