I was looking to update my computer when I came across this spyware program on the Microsoft site. I downloaded it figuring it couldn't hurt anything. My computer has been running way too slow anyway. I thought this might be a problem, spyware.

I don't turn off my computer. The next time I came back, this program found a ton of spyware and removed what I chose. This is free?

I have paid for programs for virus detection, firewall, etc. Now, I am finding this on the Microsoft site at no cost.

Has anyone used these programs offered on the Microsoft site? I think my computer is a toy, for amusement only. I don't understand a lot of the computer language.

I would appreciate member opinion on these free programs found on the Microsoft site. If it is good news, I would like to spread the word and save us all a few bucks buying separate programs to protect our computers.

Apparently this spyware program I stumbled across while looking for an XP update worked. I will have to wait and see if my computer runs faster with the removal of so much garbage it might take a dump truck to get rid of and I only suspected spyware, but not this much.

Members, what do you think?

There are quite a few posts on this program dotted around the Pool
Ok at first there was some scepticism about the Findings(its actually a rebranded product from GiantSoftware Company) someone claimed it was False positives.
I was one of the First people to discover this Program (in Its original name) And from the start I liked it,It was picking up lots of Malware/spyware on the first scan (90 items+) and at the time the usual standard bearer (Ad Aware) when run alongside (for comparison) would pick up 40-50 items
It was on a Demo and was disappointed to see the trial end....and a few months Later Microsoft brought the Company and rereleased it for free under the Microsoft Antispyware banner. Some minor items have been removed otherwise it's the same program and everybodies happy with it

The original version is still going under a different software house

Ok so its picked up a lot of stuff on the 1st scan. Thats to be expected.(it's just setting up shop)
You'll find that the 2nd and subsequent scans it picks up less and less.On my machine the current total is 25 items removed in 166 scans (can quarantine like Adaware) though it is quite safe to delete anyway
BTW - It keeps a running log of all scans mine goes back to the beginning of the year
And as an added bonus if you set this to run automatically on a schedule every day the scan times come down sharply. First ever Scan was close to 1 and a half hours, now takes 25 minutes on average
Picks up 0 items
....and it doesn't interfere with anything
Bonus 2 Ad-aware is picking up less now with this running as well that now is only showing 10 to15 items per scan

Unrelated program you can try is CrapCleaner from www.ccleaner.com
This is very powerful this really get rid of almost everything from Temp files, Cookies redundant Registry items ect.( Important note:Select from long tick list before you do anything) Even uninstalls programs and it makes such a hole that Defragging may be needed?And after running this your computer will work better coupled with a Defrag It will give your computer a new lease of life
TIP: Defragging times are cut in Half if you run this first

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bedstor,

Thank you for your knowledge about this. I greatly appreciate it. What puzzled me was the fact that I already bought spyware, firewall, and antivirus programs separately. They pretty much come up with nothing and used regularly.

The downloads I used from the Microsoft site found a ton of things that my current bought softwared did not. I happened to stumble on while only wanting to update my computer. These three programs that I downloaded from Microsoft blew away my current software to the point that I feel stupid even buying it.

I think that it is understandable for the program to hit on a zillion things, the first time you use it. This is stuff that your bought programs are ignoring, but have always been there. I am not going to be too shocked if I don't get the same action running it again.

In your opinion, would it be ok to delete my bought programs and use the ones downloaded by Microsoft as a safe means of keeping your computer safe and up to date?

quote:

Originally posted by Wildflower63:

In your opinion, would it be ok to delete my bought programs and use the ones downloaded by Microsoft as a safe means of keeping your computer safe and up to date?

Don't expect the Microsoft Program to be the answer ,To use the Americanism "It does not cover all Bases!" It only helps partially believe it ot not.
The more lines of defence that are in place can prevent breaches
I have Avast! and AVG antivirus programs running plus SpywareBlaster and AdAwareSE plus McAfee personal Firewall running besides the Microsoft Program
Keep your programs running (and Update them as soon as you can?)
Check if you have got SP2 if you are running Windows XP this is a more secure version of Internet Explorer
There is also a Malicious Software Removal Tool issued by Microsoft
It may be a small help? Download link here (567K)
This runs independently of everything else(updates itself off the Monthly Windows security updates)