Free Spyware Removal Tools & Other Useful Malware Removal Utilities

The programs below are free to download from the internet. They are widely considered to be the best available for eliminating files and programs secreted on your computer without your knowledge.

BEWARE! There are many programs claiming that they are as good or better than those listed here - some even masquerading as these programs with similar sounding names, these duplicitous programs will actually install unwanted programs and files into your computer and then report they have found them there, then ask you to pay for the program before they actually remove any infections.

If the links on this page do not take you to the correct websites, please let me know.

Eset stand-alone malware removal tools

ESET provides tools to remove particularly resilient threats, including rogue antivirus programs, Antispyware programs and malware, which you can download here: http://www.eset.com.au/knowledge_base.php

If you think your computer is infected with a virus or malware click the following ESET Knowledgebase article: I think my computer has a virus - what should I do?

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is considered to be the next step in the detection and removal of malware, combining a number of new technologies that are designed to quickly detect, destroy, and prevent malware. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware can detect and remove malware that even the most well known anti-virus and anti-malware applications fail to detect. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware monitors every process and stops malicious processes before they even start. Note: To ensure you install the "free" version, do not opt for the Trial when prompted at the end of the installation.

Download from here: http://www.malwarebytes.org/

SuperAntiSpyware

Detect and Remove Spyware, Adware and Remove Malware, Trojans, Dialers, Worms, KeyLoggers, HiJackers, Parasites, Rootkits, Rogue Security Products and many other types of threats.

Make sure you click on the Download SUPERAntiSpyware FREE Edition link.

Download from here: http://www.superantispyware.com/

Spybot - Search & Destroy from Patrick Kola

Here is the link to the developer's home page:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

Although Spybot is free, the developer welcomes donations

For an excellent tutorial on downloading, installing & using this & other programs
Click here for "OK, Teach Me!"

Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper.

Microsoft finally has its own offline tool — currently in beta — that lets you build bootable media and scan a system without running the installed (and possibly corrupted) version of Windows. The System Sweeper scans for malware from a clean, protected environment. After you reboot your PC with the System Sweeper–created media, it's considerably harder for malware to trick the operating system. Go to System Sweeper's home site and download it, then follow the instructions in a Security Garden blog. System Sweeper can boot from a USB flash drive or a CD-ROM.

Download from here: http://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper

Combofix - for expert computer users only!

ComboFix is a program, created by sUBs, that scans your computer for known malware, and when found, attempts to clean these infections automatically. In addition to being able to remove a large amount of the most common and current malware, ComboFix also displays a report that can be used by trained helpers to remove malware that is not automatically removed by the program. Please note that running this program without supervision can cause your computer to not operate correctly. Therefore only run this program at the request of an experienced helper.

Comboxfix is only available from the dynamic links at the top of this page:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/anti-virus/combofix

Full instructions for using it are available here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix

Hijack This - for expert computer users only!

Hijackers detector and remover. Initially based on the article Hijacked!, but expanded with a lot of other checks against hijacker tricks. It is continually updated to detect and remove new hijacks. It does not target specific programs/URLs, just the methods used by hijackers to force you onto their sites.
As a result, false positives are imminent and unless you are sure what you're doing, you should always consult with knowledgable folks before deleting anything.

Download from here: http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/

Sophos Anti-Rootkit - for expert computer users only!

Free rootkit detection and removal tool scans, detects and removes any rootkit that is hidden on your computer using advanced rootkit detection technology.

• Detects and removes rootkits
• Runs via GUI or command line
• Uses standard Windows install and uninstall

Note: You will need to register to download this software.

http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/sophos-anti-rootkit.html

See also:

• User manual
• Knowledgebase overview article
• Podcast about rootkit removal

WinPatrol

Unlike traditional security programs, WinPatrol doesn't scan your hard drive searching for previously identified threats. Instead a snapshot is taken of your critical system resources and WinPatrol alerts you to any changes that occur without your knowledge. You'll be warned immediately!
Download from here: http://www.winpatrol.com/

Also worth reading: Top Ten Reasons to Try WinPatrol

Malware Removal Guide for Window

http://www.selectrealsecurity.com/malware-removal-guide

If you think your computer is infected with a virus or some other malicious software, you may want to use this guide. It contains instructions that, if done correctly and in order, will remove most malware infections on a Windows operating system. It highlights the tools and resources that are necessary to clean your system. Malware is a general term for any malicious software, including viruses, trojans, rootkits, spyware, and adware. Signs of a malware infection

Sandboxie

Sandboxie is a security sandbox - a program that creates an isolated environment on your PC within which other programs can run. It sets up a kind of virtual PC within your real PC. Programs running in that virtual PC are quanrantined from the rest of the system.  Modern malware programs are often configured to disable your security software or otherwise rendered it ineffective, as soon as you attempt to install them.

Sandboxie runs your programs in an isolated space which prevents them from making permanent changes to other programs and data in your computer.

http://www.sandboxie.com/

More information about sandbox technology and how it works is available at this link:

http://windowssecrets.com/2008/10/16/07-Use-a-sandbox-to-improve-your-PC-security

PLEASE NOTE - I DO NOT OFFER FREE SUPPORT for these programs

I have no affiliation with the program maker and cannot vouch for or guarantee the results you may experience. If you choose to use them you do so at your own risk!