hOW DO I UNINSTALL, DOWNLOAD ACELERATOR PLUS

Hi samscram,

Use HijackThis : http://www.webattack.com/download/dlhijackthis.shtml and post the logfile here, we should be able to point you the lines to remove.

Greetings,

LucF

samscram,
Then unresgiter the following


programfilesdir+\dap\cabex.dll
programfilesdir+\dap\dapbho.dll
programfilesdir+\dap\dapie.dll
programfilesdir+\dap\dapiebar.dll
programfilesdir+\dap\dapns.dll
programfilesdir+\dap\dapop.dll
programfilesdir+\dap\mfc42.dll
programfilesdir+\dap\msvcrt.dll
programfilesdir+\dap\redregistration.dll
programfilesdir+\dap\zlib.dll

 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delete Registry Items
The registry is a hierarchical configuration database maintained by Windows and your applications. The database is stored on disk, and a copy in memory is created when you boot.

Most applications, including pests you want to remove, will modify the registry in some way, adding their own entries and changing some previous entries. Complete removal of an application includes registry edits.

The registry can be edited with Regedit.

 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kill Running Processes
Many programs cannot be deleted if they are currently running. Use Task Manager to stop any process that is running. (In Windows 2000 and XP, Task Manager lists all processes; in earlier versions of Windows, only visible processes will be listed.) Invoke Task Manager via Ctrl-Alt-Del. In NT/2000/XP, choose the Processes tab to list all programs. Find the exe of interest, highlight it, and end it.

Background: Windows can run many programs at the same time, but with just a single CPU, can only perform one task at a time. In your computer, Windows gives the illusion that several programs are running in parallel by switching rapidly from one to the next, giving each a time-slice of the CPU. But if any program hangs, Windows may get stuck on that task, and be unable to switch to the other running programs, causing everything to hang.

A task or process is a program (such as an exe file) that is being executed or run. When a program is started, Windows loads it into memory (RAM), adds it to an internal list of running processes, and provides the process with the memory and other resources it needs. Windows tracks what processes are using what resources, and when one of these processes is terminated, Windows can usually return its resources to the general pool, for redistribution to other processes.

Example: For some pests such as CommonName, if you edit the registry while one of their processes is running, that process will "repair" the registry, undoing your work. In the case of CommonName, you must first kill the 'winnet.exe' process (otherwise, it will keep setting itself up to run automatically). In Task Manager, choose 'winnet.exe' and end the process.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Remove AutoStart
The registry contains defines several procedures for automatically starting software when you boot your machine. One of these is in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE at \Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. You may use RegEdit to find this key. Do not delete the entire branch -- just the key over on the right-hand side of your screen.

Example: Many pests such as CommonName will start running when you boot. To prevent CommonName from automatically restarting, go to the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. There will be a value here titled 'Zenet' or 'Winnet'. Delete it and reboot the machine immediately.

For more info on AutoStarting methods used by pests, click here.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Remove Files and Directories
Many programs create one or more directories, at the time of installation, for the convenient organization of their files. Such directories are logical containers. Complete removal of a pest may require removal of files in various locations, and may require removal of one or more directories.

Both Files and Directories may be found and removed using Windows Explorer:

Right-click on the Start button (lower left of your screen).
Choose Explore.
Locate the file or directory of interest and highlight it.
Right-click to invoke the popup menu, and choose Delete.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UnRegister DLLs
You can use the Regsvr32 tool (Regsvr32.exe) to register and unregister object linking and embedding (OLE) controls such as dynamic-link library (DLL) or ActiveX Controls (OCX) files that are self-registerable.


RegSvr32.exe has the following command-line options:

Regsvr32 [/u] [/n] [/i[:cmdline]] dllname

/u - Unregister server<BR/>
/i - Call DllInstall passing it an optional [cmdline]; when used with /u calls dll uninstall
/n - do not call DllRegisterServer; this option must be used with /i


When you use Regsvr32.exe, it attempts to load the component and call its DLLSelfRegister function. If this attempt is successful, Regsvr32.exe displays a dialog indicating success. If the attempt is unsuccessful, Regsvr32.exe returns an error message, which may include a Win32 error code.
 
 
PL

Then REMOVE these Reg Keys

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\clsid\{0000cc75-acf3-4cac-a0a9-dd3868e06852}
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\clsid\{0096cc0a-623c-4829-ad9c-19af0dc9d8fe}
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\clsid\{235d7a27-de65-49f0-bfcf-d5c3bc3b2e67}
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\clsid\{62999427-33fc-4baf-9c9c-bce6bd127f08}
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\dapiebar.cbareventer
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\dapiebar.cbareventer.1
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\dapiebar.dapiebarband
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\dapiebar.dapiebarband.1
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\typelib\{095006d5-6da6-4cdc-864e-7498015816bc}
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\typelib\{72920511-e300-44c1-8565-2fd66d7a7246}
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\typelib\{79516451-3e3e-453a-8968-37942f7979f3}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\.daf\content type
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\.dal\content type
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\anigifctrl.anigif\insertable
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\clsid\{0000cc75-acf3-4cac-a0a9-dd3868e06852}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\clsid\{235d7a27-de65-49f0-bfcf-d5c3bc3b2e67}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\clsid\{5bfa1daf-5edc-11d2-959e-00c00c02da5e}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\clsid\{61ab12e1-a5ff-11d1-b2e9-444553540000}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\clsid\{62999427-33fc-4baf-9c9c-bce6bd127f08}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\clsid\{6dc82d15-92f2-11d1-a255-00a0c932c7df}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\clsid\{8110aea1-ad5b-4b90-883f-04a9a33b106e}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\clsid\{82351441-9094-11d1-a24b-00a0c932c7df}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\clsid\{9738b9e6-8afa-11d2-959e-444553540002}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\clsid\{f852086b-10e6-4743-9a3f-d8257a0a59e3}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\daffile\editflags
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\dalfile\editflags
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{03d365cb-878a-4495-9350-7c67743335d9}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{5252ac41-94bb-11d1-b2e7-444553540000}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{5b985d95-d4ee-44e5-ae57-b88659b9dee4}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{5bfa1dae-5edc-11d2-959e-00c00c02da5e}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{7892ba33-7984-43a5-a8f5-27ed0afe6143}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{82351440-9094-11d1-a24b-00a0c932c7df}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{f32c7705-1dad-4b09-b60a-40f1d9b3dbc9}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{f68145e9-7785-4bb4-a20a-16e8a425972c}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\protocols\name-space handler\ftp\zda\clsid
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\protocols\name-space handler\ftp\zda\pattern1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\protocols\name-space handler\https\zda\pattern1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\protocols\name-space handler\http\zda\clsid
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\protocols\name-space handler\http\zda\pattern1
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\typelib\{095006d5-6da6-4cdc-864e-7498015816bc}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\typelib\{5bfa1da1-5edc-11d2-959e-00c00c02da5e}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\typelib\{5fe38345-35a8-11d3-bd27-000021c9a4d9}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\typelib\{79516451-3e3e-453a-8968-37942f7979f3}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\typelib\{82351433-9094-11d1-a24b-00a0c932c7df}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\internet explorer\extensions\{669695bc-a811-4a9d-8cdf-ba8c795f261c}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\browser helper objects\{0000cc75-acf3-4cac-a0a9-dd3868e06852}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\uninstall\download accelerator plus beta
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\speedbit

reference http://www.safersite.com/PestInfo/d/download_accelerator_plus.asp#Detection%20and%20Removal

Pete & LucF:



I apologize for not originally indicating that I'm a novice with respect to registry issues and not comfortable the techniques used to manually remove the entries, which is why I had tried to download Spybot or PestControl.

Pete:  What are your instructions regarding your original comment?

LucF: I'll head over to Hijackthis and follow your suggestion.

Can either of you recommend  a quick tutorial on registry changes?

Sam

LucF:

Here's the log file:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 11:40:00 , on 01/09/2004
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSRTE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGLOOP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSG32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\HPOOPM07.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSSHLD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCAGENT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSESCN.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HEWLETT-PACKARD\HP PRECISIONSCAN\PRECISIONSCAN PRO\HPLAMP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\HPSJVXD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\DIRECTCD\DIRECTCD.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SPOOL32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\OPERA7\OPERA.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PSTORES.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\DESKTOP\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.yahoo.com/p/hp/us/?http://hp.yahoo.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = https://ssologin.prudential.com/servlet/getAccessLogin?LOCALE=pol_en_US&AUTHMETHOD=UserPassword
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://www.yahoo.com/p/hp/us/?http://hp.yahoo.com
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCVSSHL.DLL
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPAIO_PrintFolderMgr] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\hpoopm07.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\MCMNHDLR.EXE" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VirusScan Online] "C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\mcvsshld.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\AGENT\MCUPDATE.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\Scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\QTTASK.EXE" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Lamp] "C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP PrecisionScan\PrecisionScan Pro\hplamp.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPSCANMonitor] c:\windows\SYSTEM\hpsjvxd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adaptec DirectCD] C:\PROGRA~1\DIRECTCD\DIRECTCD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ad-aware] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\LAVASOFT\AD-AWARE 6\AD-AWARE.EXE" +c
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [McVsRte] C:\PROGRA~1\MCAFEE.COM\VSO\mcvsrte.exe /embedding
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Lavasoft Adwatch] C:\PROGRAM FILES\LAVASOFT AD-AWARE\AD-WATCH.EXE /min
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Adaware Bootup] C:\PROGRAM FILES\LAVASOFT AD-AWARE\AD-AWARE.EXE /Auto /Log "C:\PROGRAM FILES\LAVASOFT AD-AWARE\"
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download using LeechGet - file://C:\PROGRAM FILES\LEECHGET 2003\\AddUrl.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Parse with LeechGet - file://C:\PROGRAM FILES\LEECHGET 2003\\Parser.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: Download using LeechGet Wizard - file://C:\PROGRAM FILES\LEECHGET 2003\\Wizard.html
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console (HKLM)
O12 - Plugin for .pdf: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\PLUGINS\nppdf32.dll
O12 - Plugin for .exe: C:\Program Files\Opera7\PLUGINS\NPLeechGet.dll
O12 - Plugin for .js: C:\Program Files\Opera7\PLUGINS\NPLeechGet.dll
O12 - Plugin for .doc: C:\Program Files\Opera7\PLUGINS\NPLeechGet.dll
O12 - Plugin for .zip: C:\Program Files\Opera7\PLUGINS\NPLeechGet.dll
O16 - DPF: {D30CAFF0-087B-11D3-82D8-006094695CEC} (McAfee PC Clinic FaManager Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/Clinic/FirstAid/FACheck/mgfactl.cab
O16 - DPF: {23047A90-8511-11D2-87A5-20C252C10000} (McAfee Clinic TreeView Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/Shared/MGTree.cab
O16 - DPF: {4AE3239D-18C5-11D3-9634-0060080A3AB6} (McAfee PC Clinic System Information Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/Clinic/sysinfo/sicomp.cab
O16 - DPF: {CDB74794-A3BA-4733-B6F6-59BF16D6C15A} (McAfee Smart Shop - Update Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/mcaeng/mcsmtshp.cab
O16 - DPF: {CAFEEFAC-0014-0001-0001-ABCDEFFEDCBA} (Java Runtime Environment 1.4.1_01) -
O16 - DPF: {0C568603-D79D-11D2-87A7-00C04FF158BB} (BrowseFolderPopup Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/Shared/MGBrwFld.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {02BF25D5-8C17-4B23-BC80-D3488ABDDC6B} (QuickTime Object) - http://www.apple.com/qtactivex/qtplugin.cab
O16 - DPF: {4ED9DDF0-7479-4BBE-9335-5A1EDB1D8A21} (McAfee.com Operating System Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mcinsctl/en-us/4,0,0,76/mcinsctl.cab
O16 - DPF: {BCC0FF27-31D9-4614-A68E-C18E1ADA4389} (DwnldGroupMgr Class) - http://bin.mcafee.com/molbin/shared/mcgdmgr/en-us/1,0,0,16/mcgdmgr.cab
O16 - DPF: {76D90D08-EAB7-46D8-BF99-87445BF59E72} (SystemInfo Class) - http://iwantdway.com/dwayready/dpcsysinfo.cab
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/ansi/iuctl.CAB?37910.355150463
O16 - DPF: {0E5F0222-96B9-11D3-8997-00104BD12D94} (PCPitstop Utility) - http://www.pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop/PCPitStop.CAB
O16 - DPF: {9F0F185C-B50B-11D2-B53F-00A0C98684AC} (McAfee PC Clinic OilChange Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/OilChange/MGOcCtl_new.cab
O16 - DPF: {13E39F7E-FDA8-11D2-99DC-00C04FF40D52} (McAfee OilChange Multi-Product Support Filter) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/OilChange/MGOcFilt.cab
O16 - DPF: {BF31FA5E-AE8A-11D2-A1BD-0800300004C2} (McAfee PC Clinic Internet Class) - http://download.mcafee.com/molbin/Shared/MCInet_new.cab

Thanks

Sam

Thankyou all.

I began to work through your comments and ended up purchasing Pest Patrol which eliminated DAP.

For the record, it appeares that DAP attempted to block only downloads from the Spybot and JV16 Powertools and Pest Patrol. Interesting.

In any event, I was able to download the programs by copying and pasting the download urls into Leechget interfaceto effect the downloads by copying and pasting the download url's into its interface.

Thanks, again

Sam

Glad UR Fixed - and ThanQ

IMHO, you have a good program in Pest Patrol, in addtion, to prevent future
Browser Hijacts and/or   Foistware, etc:

you should\
have some software programs to fight the Adware, Marketing Spyware, Foistware and Browswer High Jack Programs.

Under this category, I would suggest you download and both free versions of Ad Aware and Spybot and keep them \
current:

Ad-aware Standard Edition is THE award winning, free*, multicomponent detection and removal utility that has consistently lead the industry in safety, user satisfaction, support and reliability.

http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/


"SpyBot Search & Destroy" (It is freeware
Spybot can be downloaded at

 www.Spybot.com

http://beam.to/spybotsd


In addition to these download and install either one of these next two:

Spyware Blaster

BootLIST 088  
Date: 5/23/2003 9:59:18 PM Pacific Daylight Time

Prevent Spyware From Being Installed Utility

     Mary Adams writes - I take good care of my Computer and don't
     install any garbage or junk. But when my two teenage sons visit
     for the weekend they always leave my Computer running slow and I
     get errors I never had before their visits.

     I then have to run Ad-Adware to get rid of all the Spy Software
     they seem to install even though they never admit to installing
     any Spy Software it's always there after they leave mucking up my
     Computer. Is there a way to prevent them from installing Spy
     Software in the first place?

     *** Try the utility below, free of course:

     http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html



OR

WinPatrol 5.2
Supports Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, NT and XP

·      
·      Detect if your default Home Page has been hijacked.

Message #: 291886From: J RAMSent: 8/29/2003 1:32 PM
A.      DAVY...this is the I've seen,and it does a-lot more things including stopping worms and spyware.. it's free


  http://www.winpatrol.com/




I use SpyBlaster, but I have read a lot of good things about WinPatrol

If you are using an always on BroadBand Connection, I would also suggest that you look into some sort
of Trojan Fighting Program such as Tauscan or  Pest Patrol which are not "Free."  If you are using
Dial Up, it less likely you need this type of protection.

To prevent spyware from downloading into your computer, do not allow Install on Demand in the IE settings. With Internet Explorer open, go to Tools > Options > Advanced.   Uncheck the two Enable Install on Demand options


Additional Protection that you might consider



PestPatrol 4.0 its not free:

http://www.zdnet.com/supercenter/stories/review/0,12070,563571,00.html



ZDNet Review
               
December 10, 2002

When you're on the Internet, you're vulnerable to all kinds of malicious code. Your antivirus software will weed out some of the Trojan horses, and your firewall will stop some malicious users from getting inside your PC. But to rid your system of the other bad stuff--poisoned Java and ActiveX Web scripts, for example--you'll need a program that's dedicated to doing just that. PestPatrol stops password crackers; keystroke logging; ad-serving software, cookies, Trojan horses; and possible distributed denial-of-service attacks, making it a crucial safeguard for your desktop or network server. If you want to keep your computer and data



FREE PEST SCAN


PestPatrol News July/August 2003 issue
Date:      8/11/2003 6:34:06 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From:      newsletter@pestpatrol.com
To:       

Thanks to everyone who helped with the launch of PestScan last month - and to all of you who've tried it since. If you haven't tried PestScan yet, go to www.pestscan.com and see for yourself. Tens of thousands of people have scanned their PCs for spyware since we launched PestScan just two weeks ago, so we think we can chalk that one up as a successful launch!

http://www.pestscan.com/



Excellent Online Spyware Detection

langalist] LangaList Standard Edition 2003-08-25  
Date: 8/24/2003 11:18:54 PM Pacific Daylight Time

In reply to http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2003/2003-07-31.htm#4 ,
where we mentioned a new online spyware detection service from
PestPatrol ( http://www.pestscan.com/ ) , reader Jim Eshelman wrote:

     Fred... I thought I'd mention that I've had free
     adware/spyware online scanning on my site for several months
     now at
                 http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm

 

     All I've actually done is implement locally Andrew Clover's
     wonderful parasite scanning script, which your readers can
     also access directly at his goldmine-of-a-site
     http://doxdesk.com/parasite/ . My implementation is primarily
     a convenience for people already accessing my site, and also a
     page devoted to *nothing but* the parasite scan. In its second
     month it zoomed to be one of the most visited pages on my
     site. I've been using Andrew's scanning script for quite a
     while in a user environment of around 6,000 corporate users,
     and so far it has caught every single major spyware or adware
     item on the user machines. (Spot checking with more intensive
     software finds only a few cookies missed.) This is quite
     valuable in an enterprise setting because the popular and
     reliable tools, such as Ad-Aware, are only free for
     noncommercial use. Where an IT department is willing to budget
     for business copies, one is left to choose between cheating
     and using the freeware anyway (something not high on my list
     of favorite things to do!) or use an alternative tool. The
     Clover scanning script has covered the issue splendidly so
     far.--Jim Eshelman

Thanks, Jim. Well done!

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