To pay or not to pay?

Hi,

First up, I've read and carried out the instructions in the article on removing spyware, trojans and viruses (with the exception that I could carry out none of it in Safe Mode owing to difficulties with Internet connection). Incidentally, they were very easy to follow. My regards and thanks to the author(s).

Various of the programs found and removed various problems. NewDotNet was a regular offender.

I'm now at a stage where certain programs are finding malware but attempting to charge money for their removal. It's not that I'm not prepared to pay, I just don't want to be duped.

I mistakenly downloaded Adware Alert, thinking it was McAfee AVERT Stinger (despite the lack of any kind of connection between the two names). AdwareAlert claims to have found 16 malware programs, which can be removed for just $19.95. Stinger found none.

BitDefender reported a similar number of malware programs to Adware Alert, but was not forthcoming in tips for their removal.

TrojanScan reported two instances of the "Adware.wSearch.b" program and one "Adware.NewDotNet".

I downloaded the free version of a-squared but for some reason it's not working. Instead, it repeatedly insists I perform "at least one online update check", realises I've already carried out said check, but then again demands the check is carried out.

I haven't done a Hijack This check yet because I won't be able to interpret it myself and the instruction thread clearly states a log should not be sent unless requested.

Lastly, I had to enable ActiveX to use the website virus scan programs. Is it unsafe to have it enabled?

My thanks for your help so far and my apologies if this is posted in the wrong place - my problem didn't seem to fit any of the categories in the Spyware Specific threads.

Tom

 

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm#products
adware alert is definitely rogue dont buy it

 

Thanks!