can't get rid of spyware

[JohnL]

I'm running Windows XP SP2 and have added Spybot, AD-Aware, and CounterSyp to my computer, but when I surf the internet and later run these programs, I get result that there are tracking cookies, etc. that need to be removed....Any suggestions as to what needs to be done to elimanate the problem, ie another suggested program. I know that I can reformat the hard drive and reinstall everything as I have done that to a different computer in the past, but I would like to avoid doing it this time if all possible...thanks in advance for anyone who can assist me, John

[HansV]

In Internet Explorer, select Tools | Internet Options...
Activate the Privacy tab.
You can specify here how cookies will be treated, either by dragging the slider, or by clicking Advanced...
Click Edit to allow or block cookies from specific sites. For example, if you set the general level to very restrictive, some site may not work correctly. If you trust them, allow them to set cookies.

[DocWatson]

First you should be aware that tracking cookies and other internet "junk" are unavoidable, no matter what you do. The good news is that most of this stuff is harmless, although unnecessary and an invasion of your space. One other tool I would recommend to you is SpywareBlaster. It's <img src=/S/free.gif border=0 alt=free width=30 height=15> and is used differently than the others. SpywareBlaster runs in the background and blocks unwanted cookies and such from ever getting on your machine. You update it once a week or so and that's it. No scanning or removal necessary.

Another thing you might want to try is a practice I follow at the end of each day or after a particularly long or intense session of surfing the net. I run the Disk Cleanup utility Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>DiskCleanup (I have a shortcut to this on my Start menu) and then go to the Temporary Internet folder and empty all the unwanted cookies (I leave the wopr cookie and a few others so I don't have to sign-in everytime I visit the site). HTH

[HansV]

I find SpywareBlaster very useful too. Just a technical point: it has no runtime component at all: it just adds info to the Windows registry that tells the browser to block installing ActiveX components (in Internet Explorter) and tracking cookies for a large number of sites.

[bill_bright]

Actually the free Windows Defender works quite well too. And it uses active scanning - that is, it runs all the time in the background like Spyware Blaster. Of course, you should have an arsenal of tools to fight spyware and so whether you use Windows Defender, Spyware Blaster, or some other (I use ZoneAlarm Pro's Anti-Spyware), you should occasionally scan with other products too - and AdAware and Spybot S&D are good choices for supplemental scanners.

As DocWatson said, periodically cleaning out your temp files is a good idea. I highly recommend CrapCleaner. It is great at cleaning systems of temporary files, including all history and cache files. Before first use, check Options, Settings and ensure Only delete files in Windows Temp folders older than 48 hours is unchecked. Note that it's "Issues" checker is a great Registry cleaner as well. Ensure you follow the prompts to backup the Registry before making changes. I have never had problems with its registry cleaner (which is why I use it frequently) but it is always prudent to backup the Registry before making changes - power failures never happen at a convenient time! <img src=/S/wink.gif border=0 alt=wink width=15 height=15> I always run CrapCleaner before scanning for spyware, viruse, and also before defragging - no use scanning or defragging 1000s of temp files.

Most tracking cookies are harmless - actually useful - so do not be concerned that you always find some.

[JohnL]

Thanks to all for your recommendations...I'm going to try them for sure...My son also recommended Spy Sweeper...does anyone know anthing about it????...thanks again for all the suggestions. John

[HansV]

Webroot SpySweeper is a good anti-spyware program. You can download a free trial version.

[JohnL]

Hans, a big thank you...I'll give it a go on the trial version..thanks, John