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.

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.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

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!"

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.

http://www.superantispyware.com/

WinPatrol

This is my all time favourite spyware tool. 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!
Here is the link to the developer's home page: http://www.winpatrol.com/

Also worth reading: Top Ten Reasons to Try WinPatrol

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

Ad-Aware FREE

Here is the link to the developer's home page: http://www.lavasoft.com/

Make sure you click on the Free version.

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.

The official HijackThis QuickStart for posting on the SpywareInfo forums is available here.

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. Iif you choose to use them you do so at your own risk!