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The fact that no other program I tried that day would take the crap off my computer added to the fact that this search page had a link advertising spykiller leads me to my conclusion that spykiller (or an affiliate) is maliciously installing this stuff to make sales of their software.

Has anyone had this type of problem?

So back to my original question. What is the best spyware removal program? Do you run combinations of programs?

One of the problems you might have been having could have been that your anti-spyware software WAS fixing the problems, but Windows was reinstalling them! WinXP and WinME both have a feature called "System Restore" which allows you to easily recover from either stupidity or a botched software or driver installation. Windows will check to see if certain "important" files or registry settings have been deleted or monkeyed with, and will restore them in need be. Well, spyware writers have used that to get around a lot of the anti-spyware software. So, before running either a virus scan or spyware scan, you should always disable "System Restore." You may also want to bring up the computer in "Safe Mode" to run the scans as well. This ensures that most (but not all... I've seen a few nasty programs that will still start up, even in safe mode!) of the spyware WILL NOT be running, making it easier to clean.

Personally, I use Spybot S & D, Adaware Personal, Spyware Guard, Spyware Blaster, and Microsoft's anti-spyware program.

Mark

"Personally, I use Spybot S & D"

I recommend going into Spybots advanced mode and seeing what is available. This program is a lot more than what is defaulted on. Be careful changing things if you have no idea what they are controlling. It will also remove much of Bill Gates tracking s/w in advanced mode, they are called usage tracks under "FileSets"

I also HIGHLY recommend turning ON "Tea Timer" when you install it. The Tea Timer function is a mostly silent registry change monitor. If a program tries to change the registry, the Spybot "Resident" (Tea Timer for a strange reason) will ask you if this change is allowed or click the "?" for more informations about the request. I suspect it can save your bacon at times.

The TeaTimer is the 4th selection on the install wizard and is defaulted off. It can also be turned on/off in the advanced mode under Advanced/Tools/SystemStartUp/TeaTimer by checking the box. This function also allows you control of programs that run at StartUp.

There is a lot more than meets the eye in this program, most of it good from what I can tell.