PC diagnostics

[dbailey]

I have a relative that is having pop ups and various other issues. I'm stopping by her place on the way back from vacation and would like some suggestions on what to bring with me. What are you guys using now a days to scan for spyware/bloatware viruses etc? I haven't done this for a while and would appreciate some good tips on what to load on a thumb drive for checking out her pc.

 

[ArtShapiro]

I've had very good results from ADW CLEANER (get it at Bleeping Computer). It apparently changes very frequently, so it isn't a candidate for bringing on a thumb drive because it will generally ask to download a later version. And good ol' SuperAntiSpyware and MalwareBytes have fine reputations. I've also had good luck with the free version of the ESET scanner.

 

[LagunaX]

Install Malwarebytes as normal.

Boot into safe mode.

Run R-kill to stop any processes.

Full scan with Malwarebytes.

After cleaning, install Bitdefender free.

 

[dbailey]

Cool.. grabbed them all. I appreciate it.

 

[Iron Woode]

or download Kaspersky rescue disk to clean the pc.

get a thumb drive and either download a bunch of utilities for maintenance on it or download a bootable rescue disk image that can be set up on the thumb drive. I use Hiren's Boot CD for that purpose.