Overrun by malware / viruses. Anti-virus programs won't work, system restore is blocked, files are being damaged - I don't know what to do! [more inside]
posted by mammary16 on Dec 27, 2009 - 16 answers

I just got a raging beast of a new laptop. Runs Left 4 Dead like a dream. Problem: I've been in Mac-world for 7 years. Now that I'm back in Windows Land, I gotta be careful. What's the best free/low-cost/open-source spyware/malware/virus protection around? [more inside]
posted by GilloD on Aug 19, 2009 - 24 answers

Fraudulent Skype transactions: eerie coincidence, malware, or something else? [more inside]
posted by jferg on Mar 31, 2009 - 3 answers

I've been attacked by some malware called "Spyware Protect 2009". Have you guys seen this before? Screenshot and symptoms inside - hoping someone can help me kill this thing. [more inside]
posted by CRM114 on Mar 26, 2009 - 22 answers

Basic applications on my computer seem to be temporarily "blanking out" on me. Especially noticeable when I'm typing. What might be causing it and how can I fix it? [more inside]
posted by aspenbaloo on Feb 5, 2009 - 4 answers

Is there a nastyware lurking in this computer? Strange Yahoo! Mail contact list kidnapping observed... [more inside]
posted by Iosephus on Aug 18, 2008 - 3 answers

I have some sort of malware on my Dell that constantly redirects me away from where I desire to go. Specifically, it seems to prevent Gmail from working. Also prevents any major search site from loading. Always redirects to some idiotic ad site. [more inside]
posted by Arquimedez Pozo on Jul 20, 2008 - 18 answers

I need help finding an online security quiz I took a year ago or more... [more inside]
posted by tdreyer1 on Apr 4, 2007 - 2 answers

Please help me get rid of this spyware infection before I just give up and re-install Windows. [more inside]
posted by Venadium on Feb 7, 2007 - 14 answers

What are effective anti-virus and anti-spyware programs that work in harmony? [more inside]
posted by Smarson on Aug 24, 2006 - 17 answers

Where does my spyware go? [more inside]
posted by Postroad on May 26, 2006 - 10 answers

I know that cookies may be automatically and surreptitiously installed on my computer when I arrive at a webpage, but what about spyware/malware/virus ? [more inside]
posted by studentguru on Feb 25, 2006 - 13 answers

run-mbi16.exe virus/worm/trojan [more inside]
posted by Kwantsar on Nov 23, 2005 - 7 answers

My wife's computer (running XP Pro SP2) has fallen victim to a piece of malware called "WinFixer 2005". None of the spyware or virus tools I've tried (Norton, MS AntiSpyware, AdAware) have even been able to find it, let alone remove it. Has anyone managed to get rid of this thing?
posted by timeistight on Sep 16, 2005 - 9 answers

My computer illiterate family has an HP box running Windows XP Home SP 2. They are constantly installing random programs from suspicious websites and allowing nefarious Active X controls to run – often leaving a trail of destruction for me to deal with. Is there an easy way to restrict their ability to install software? (Also - was I dreaming or did Microsoft just release some kind of policy editing tool that deals with this kind of problem?)
posted by mockjovial on Aug 26, 2005 - 11 answers

An extremely malicious malware/adware program has rendered my C: drive inoperable. I have a second hard drive in the closet, which I can connect as the C: drive, install XP onto, and then connect the old C drive as the D drive and copy some vital files over. Can I get most of my data safely this way? [more inside]
posted by XQUZYPHYR on May 2, 2005 - 12 answers

Spyware/Junkware question. I've just spent six hours trying to remove what seems to be a new parasite based on VX2. There's plenty of information, tools, tips and advice, but nowhere have I been able to find how this particular pest actually works. Does anyone know? [mi] [more inside]
posted by grahamwell on Oct 28, 2004 - 7 answers

What's the best Anti-Spyware program? I've got one or two processes that just keep coming back...
posted by kaibutsu on Sep 15, 2004 - 13 answers

I have something on my MS Word window I can't get rid of, and I think it's spyware. Pic of offending thing inside. [more inside]
posted by johnnydark on Aug 5, 2004 - 8 answers

As embarrassing as it is to confess, I am not very sophisticated with computers and technology. Recently my computer has become the eager droid of "purityscan," which (to my never ending frustration and dismay) opens a few hundred pop-ups per hour. I Googled for the best spy/pop up removal software, but I am unable to tell the good guys from the bad guys. I downloaded and ran "adaware" but now that they have identified "368 spyware components" on my computer they want $30.00 to remove them. I have no problem paying to end this problem, but I do not want to pay for dreck or pay evil extortionists who create the problem and then sell the solution. So: Which software is best, from an honest company, to fix this loathsome problem?
posted by limitedpie on Mar 5, 2004 - 19 answers

My family is computer illiterate, and since I moved out they've been giving the family desktop hell. Every time I come home from a holiday or weekend, ads, spyware and malware have taken it hostage. [more inside] [more inside]
posted by tomorama on Jan 3, 2004 - 23 answers