Would a Windows reinstall stop AdWare?
 

I have alredy removed the Adware s**t on my PC 4 times this week using both AdAware and Spybot SD, yet it keeps coming back. Would a Windows re-install fix the problem?

This is probably about as annoying as the tech support types that insist on starting with "is the cord plugged in", but...

Are you sure you aren't doing something that brings it back?

I am. And I even know how it comes back :)
According to AdAware, Virtumundo (or something like that) has gotten itself into several Windows DLLs, such as
inetadpt.dll
cidrules.dll
wincore.dll
winhost32.exe
winupd.dll

Allowing AdAware to remove or quarantine those files led many Windows functions to stop working.

This Adware is usually the result of browsing practices. Your OS sits below, way below.

You have certain practices (browsing certain sites) that install adware. You clean the machine, through Spybot. You browse that certain site and... the Adware gets installed again.

Depending on the degree of infection, certain Adware is not something that worries that much. Simply run Spybot on your disk.

You didn't mention what internet security/firewall you have in place. If you don't have something, consider purchasing Norton Internet Security. I have the 2003 version and have not had any problems (at least that I have traced back to NIS). About 6 mo. ago, there was some chat from people dissatisified with NIS 2004, so I bought a copy of Norton Systemworks 2003 (which included NIS) off Amazon for next to nothing. I don't know current availability.

Alternatively, activate the firewall in Windows or download similar freeware (e.g. ZoneAlarm).

As to reinstalling Windows, until you are sure that you have stopped whatever was planting the adware on your computer, you may just infect any newly installed programs. However, if you are running a version of Windows older than XP, it is probably worth considering upgrading to XP, but make sure you have everything backed up before starting the process. The firewall in XP may be stronger than that in prior versions, so it may help your situation.

Woo! Looks like I've been able to kill most things off using the Bazooka Spyware Scanner. Within the last 4 hours at least, nothing re-installed itself and I was able to knock out Virtumundo.



I am using the XP's built in firewall. I tried Norton one, but hated it.

I have used SpywareBlaster for awhile now. It does not remove the malicious spyware but prevents it from installing in the first place.
Check it out here.
In association with Adaware and Spybot this helps prevent major problems.