Walt Mossberg, the computer columnist for the Wall Street Journal, suggested using Ad-Aware a free download:

Q: I heard some free software installs a program on your computer that can take over your CPU when you are not using it, or call out to the Internet to report what you're doing, or serve up ads. If I remove the software from my computer, will I get rid of these spyware programs too, or do I need to delete each one individually?

A: These programs, called "spyware" and "adware," are growing problems. I advise everybody who's tempted to download things like music-swapping programs to be very careful, as these services do sometimes install spyware or adware on your computer. You can sometimes get spyware or adware just in the course of surfing around the Web. Even if you remove the original software you thought you were getting, you won't necessarily be able to uninstall the spyware or adware.

So, I use a free program called Ad-aware. If you run it periodically, it will scan your PC for spyware and adware, and delete it all -- even components buried deeply in the Windows registry, a hidden repository of settings. You can download Ad-aware at www.lavasoftusa.com. You also have to periodically update a reference file the program relies upon to identify the sneaky software.
(WSJ 6/27)

For me, it got rid of the pesky Gator.

[This message has been edited by dave99 (edited 08-01-2002).]