3 replies to this topic

[Francisco]

Hello:

I use Ad-Aware and Spybot and TrendMicro PC-Cillin antivirus to ward off spyware. Yesterday, after scanning with these, I decided to scan online with eTrust PestPatrol, and I went white with shock when it showed me a very looooooong list of spyware-infected files. I couldn't believe it! On closer look, I realised that all the files had the same location, namely: hkey_local_machine\software.

I don't know anything about computers, but I understand that these are registry entries. The software they point to is sofware that I had already got rid of: KAZAA, myway, Gator, etc. I guess these entries are leftovers from programs that I had already uninstalled from my computer.

So, my question is: having got rid of the software, do these entries pose a real threat to my computer? Should I delete them? (I understand it's not safe tampering with the registry unless you know what exactly you're doing) Or Is PestPatrol being too alarmistic?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[TwistedMetal]

Well, I know for a fact Spybot S&D would have picked them up if they were a threat. The other programs are looking for registry entries (programs will do that). Get a good Registry Cleaner, it should remove invaild registry files.

Alot recommend: RegSeeker

You can also scan with Issues tab in CCleaner.

If that doesn't work and you "DO" have them programs uninstalled, let Pest Patrol do it's thing.

[Francisco]

TwistedMetal, on Jun 15 2005, 09:08 PM, said:

Well, I know for a fact Spybot S&D would have picked them up if they were a threat. The other programs are looking for registry entries (programs will do that). Get a good Registry Cleaner, it should remove invaild registry files.

Alot recommend: RegSeeker

You can also scan with Issues tab in CCleaner.

If that doesn't work and you "DO" have them programs uninstalled, let Pest Patrol do it's thing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you TwistedMetal for your answer.

After running CCleaner, PestPatrol keeps showing the same results.

PestPatrol only scans online, it doesn't clean. And Ad-Aware and Spybot keep telling me I'm free of spyware.

My computer is working fine: no pop-ups, no browser hijacks, so I guess I'm OK.

Thanks again.

[TwistedMetal]

If anything, if you know the registry keys. Just use regedit and delete them yourself.