One of my friends computer is very slow. I installed AdAware (freeware) and scanned. Found 958 threats are there. But it removed nearly 450. When I tried to remove the balance it won't finish even in 12 hour time. Any help

using adawareSE... try booting in safe mode scanning again,... if adaware does not remove, try other spybot... also try virus scan... also try toolbarcop and remove any BHO plugin files found... also search msconfig > startup> for any related files and disable, empty temp folder and temporary internet folder, using regedit, search for adaware files listed found , and delete also try manually find files and folder linked to spyware found and manually trash, ...:)

Rerun in Safe Mode - also try dumping any Temporary Internet Files. It's advisable to run more than one application - Spybot is recommended (see the Security Tools link' on the forum page. It's a good idea to update both applications with the latest signature files Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.

I've noticed that problem too. The drive didn't have much free space left so I thought that might be part of the problem since adaware creates a backup and then deletes the files. Another way may be to click on 'scan summary' after the scan. You'll get a list of the malware by name and can easier choose what to delete. It may be easier if you delete it in chunks instead of all at once.

958 threats is one heck of a lot - you obviously need to give them lessons in safe browsing. With that lot all overlapping it's not going to be an easy task for one program to fix them and will take time. When you've followed all the suggestions (including running SpyBot S&D) if there is anything still lurking you could try this freebie too. It was originally written for trojans: A2FREE - JUST DOWN PAGE A good firewall and AV are obviously essential and there is a lot to be said for SpywareBlaster too. This one keeps nasties out and uses no resources. It is considered by SpyBot S&D to be better than their built-in immunize feature which does a similar thing. As said, when clearing up a mess like that use Safe Mode where possible. Derek.W

Sure - I had Ad-aware freeze up while removing 1500(!) entries on one machine - eliminating the TIFs helps reduce the load somewhat. Starting in Safe Mode or otherwise disabling any active malware processes allows for easier removal. Spybot seems less prone to freezing up, and also has a 'clean on next boot' type feature - using both usually clears up most problems Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.

There is basically NO hope in fixing that machine. The same thing happened to my computer last year. None of the spyware scanners would remove everything. Had to finally reformat and reinstall everything. It will never work like it should until you do.