Norton Antivirus detects but doesn't remove adware (?)

self

[rudy45]

I have the latest definitions. The scan found these files: - C:\WINDOWS\remover.dll - C:\WINDOWS\nxstinst.exe - C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\MediaTicketsInstaller.ocx

However, Norton doesn't give me the option to delete or quarantine these files.

I see the first two files in Windows Explorer, but not the last one. Can/should I just delete the first two? What about the third? Thanks.

I have run Spybot Search and Destroy, but these same files still appear.

Any help is appreciated.

[feefee]

This thread may help, I don't know, I have a Mac.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1345262/posts

[KenD]

Current versions of Symantec (Norton) antivirus products do in fact detect but NOT delete adware. The next versions of those products are supposed to ALSO allow the removal of adware.

Much of this confusion is due to the technical definitions of "adware" and "virus" that exist in the industry. Those definitions are going to be blurred more in the future and I like to refer to BOTH as 'malware' myself.

[csvset]

Try Micosoft's AntiSpyware. It found MediaTickets on our PC and got rid of it. Fwiw, Ad-Aware & Spybot hadn't found MediaTicket on our PC.

[backhoe]

In my opinion, MSantispyware is superior to ad-aware and spybot S&D ( although both of these are pretty good if kept current )-- another good one is Spysweeper by Webroot.

The files you named don't look like some of the real bad ones to me, but I am no expert, and the names change. Be sure you have Windows Explorer configured to show "all" files, and try rebooting in safe mode ( usually by tapping F8 during the BIOS startup ) and looking then. A lot of malware evades deletion by being loaded during boot, so the system locks deletion out as "file in use."

I have a lot of information here:

Browser Wars, take two

--and hopefully you can nuke the junk without problems. If you can't, here's the best forum to join for help:

-SWI Forums-

[bitt]

from download.com, just tried the new free "Spyware Doctor" in addition to ad-aware and spybot - found some extras and easy to use....

good reviews so far...

#8 on 'most popular' list

http://www.download.com/3101-2001_4-0-1.html?tag=dir

[standupfortruth]

I long ago abandoned all Symantec Products. At one time the Norton line of utilities was THE way to go when it came to maintaining sanity on your PC. Lately they have written the software in such a way that it conflicts with other popular software packages, refuses to uninstall or install properly, randomly crashes, stops taking automatic updates for no reason and just generally messes up your whole computing experience. I now use McAfee for virus protection, MS Antispy (formerly by Giant) for malware monitoring and removal and System mechanic for general PC utilities. Do yourself a favor and rid yourself of this menace (if you can uninstall it that is).

[backhoe]

Thanks for the link!

[OldFriend]

Yup, my Norton kindly found adware and left it there. I run Ad Aware SE and it seems to rid the problem but then other adware appears and is considered non threatening.

I am a total tech knownothing and am not amused that these things keep sneaking into my computer.

[holymoly]

...and am not amused that these things keep sneaking into my computer.

How did this crap get on my computer in the first place?

Using an alternative browser can dramatically reduce the threat of adware/spyware/malware.
Opera
Mozilla  (free)

If you must use Microsoft Internet Explorer:
Internet Explorer Privacy & Security Settings

Spybot - Search & Destroy  (free) offers full-time (memory resident) protection against malware, trojans, etc.

For those new to Spybot S&D:
Using Spybot - Search & Destroy

[OldFriend]

Thank you much.

[bitt]

2 good explanation sites!

I tire of explaining that one needs antispyware as well as virus protection as well as windows updates as well as a firewall.

[holymoly]

You may want to look around my FR homepage. I'm using it as a repository for Windows PC security-related links.

[bitt]

verrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyy nice. I created a new folder, called 'great pc pages', just for yours. It's just above 'good pc pages'...I wonder what's NEXT!!!

Hey have you run into MediaMotors spyware yet? it's a bugger...

[holymoly]

I thought my FR homepage would be a handy way to share some some of that stuff. Glad you like it.

I haven't heard of MediaMotors, or seen it mentioned in the tech forums (yet).

[Ben Ficklin]

I gave up on Norton and went to AVG Grisoft.

You can get a 30 day trial of their $33/2year Professional or they also have freebie.

For me, the freebie worked better than Norton.