Major Spyware problem!

[EpitaphILIP]

My computer was recently infected with a bunch of spyware garbage. I'm not a total newb at removing it and i've removed some stuff before but this time i need some help. I read the Total Spyware Removal guide posted here, but it didn't really help.
I get pop ups randomly (a common one is from www.ad-w-a-r-e.com) and shortcuts keep apearing on my desktop. I've run spybot and adaware multiple times and they keep finding new stuff everytime even though i delete it all each time. The main files i keep seeing that i can't seem to get rid of are "Virtual Bouncer" "Webrebates" and "mypcsearch" I keep finding them in My Program Files and delete them but they come back. I'm not sure if i'm infected with many different spyware problems or just one that is causing these to keep coming back.
I also ran Hijackthis and removed all the bad files with it. However, they too just come back after awhile.
My computer is now starting to shut itsef off automatically every half hour or so. And i'm not sure if this is related but when i delete stuff it doesn't show it in the recycling bin, it is just gone. And i checked to see if it was set to where it just deletes stuff right away and it's not, so that's not the problem.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Sam]

Well, i know I will get heat for this, but after reading everything you said, I actually do think your best option would be to get Firefox, and some sort of Anti-virus program.

[ThunderDawg]

I'm assuming you already have a firewall and antivirus programs, and run those regularly.

A lot of junk can live in System Restore, so you would need to turn that off before you 'disinfect'. Delete all your Temporary Internet and History files, then run Ad-Aware and SpyBot S&D and remove whatever they can remove.

Then try SpyWare Blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html) and CWShredder (http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/cwschronicles.html#cwshredder). XP-AntiSpy (http://www.xp-antispy.org/) might also help.

You should also get an expanded HOSTS file, which prevents you from ever receiving anything from thousands of bad sites. My HOSTS (http://tomaxwell.com/software/HOSTS) has over 30,000 sites (mostly advertising) if you want a good one..

[Leperkawn]

What is this HOSTS you speak of?

[ThunderDawg]

The Short Answer:
The short answer is that the Hosts file is like an address book. When you type an address like www.yahoo.com into your browser, the Hosts file is consulted to see if you have the IP address, or "telephone number," for that site. If you do, then your computer will "call it" and the site will open. If not, your computer will ask your ISP's (internet service provider) computer for the phone number before it can "call" that site. Most of the time, you do not have addresses in your "address book," because you have not put any there. Therefore, most of the time your computer asks for the IP address from your ISP to find sites.

If you put ad server names into your Hosts file with your own computer's IP address, your computer will never be able to contact the ad server. It will try to, but it will be simply calling itself and get a "busy signal" of sorts. Your computer will then give up calling the ad server and no ads will be loaded, nor will any tracking take place. Your choices for blocking sites are not just limited to blocking ad servers. You may block sites that serve advertisements, sites that serve objectionable content, or any other site that you choose to block.

The Longer, More Technically Oriented Answer (http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/what_is_hosts.html)

[Leperkawn]

So, where would I put the HOST file?

[ThunderDawg]

C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\etc\

(It does not have a file extension)

[Leperkawn]

Sweet. This should be helpful.

Is it ever deleted, like, if I clear anything via firefox?

[EpitaphILIP]

I already use Firefox. I am actually getting pop ups on firefox too now.

[Leperkawn]

Note about HOSTS: In Spybot's Tools section, you can add their host file. It's quite large. A good addition.

[dastardly_fiend]

Ok, try the program Spyware Blaster. It doesn't remove programs, but it helps to block them from coming back. It's working for me; I'm estatic about that. I've thanked my friend profusely already.

I might also suggest finding the websites of the spywares and blocking them manually from your browsers.

Furthermore, if you are using Windows ME, try right clicking My Computer, Properties, Performace, File System, Troubleshooting, and check diasble system restore. estart. Then, delete all your spyware again, run some virus programs, anti-spy programs, etc. etc. etc., reboot your computer, reenable sysem restore, and restart again.

I hope my limited knowledge helps some.

[Afterburner]

http://forums.xgenstudios.com/viewtopic.php?t=15794

[sithlord]

On fire fox go to tools then scroll down and go to options there you see a collum on the left. General, Privacy ect . Go to web features there click on block pop up window. After that you shouldn't get no popups at all. I use firefox and never get no pop-ups at all and i don't use any software.


Also try spybot its a clean up programe not a blocker but it works really good
!!!