I have never been able to run Spybot on my computer without errors, freezes, and blue screens since using XP. For some reason this was related to the immunization feature. Have you looked on the Spybot support page? However, an inability to scan may be a symptom of malware infection. Try scanning from a free online service. Another reason for Spybot problems can be a conflict with your AV/firewall. Try to do a scan in Safe Mode with your AV/Firewall turned off.
for what it's worth, I run SpyBot under XP, with Immunization (including HOSTS file protection on one system, but not including HOSTS on the other), without encountering any of the problems you've indicated. On that basis, I have to believe your problems are not simply a matter of XP and/or Immunization. I also run SpyBot's SDHelper (Bad Download Blocker BHO for IE) as well as TeaTimer (resident anti-malware protection).
I've not heard/seen many problems with SpyBot... in fact, the only reliably-confirmed issue I'm aware of is Joe53 having encountered problems with SDHelper.
kupchik:
you wrote: "This started happening under version 1.4 once I updated to NIS 2007". I take that to mean SpyBot was working fine for you until you did the Norton update. If so, I wonder if Norton is the source of your conflict?
ky331, You are correct that Spybot is usually well behaved, but not for me. I have always thought the problems to be an interferring program, but could never track it down. For a time I got it to work, but could not download updates. It wasn't worth the trouble.
You are correct, I had no problems with teatimer or scanning with Spybot until the installation of NIS 2007. NIS would not install with Spybot 1.4 installed so I removed it, installed NIS 2007, and then re-installed 1.4. Ever since then I have been getting the error upon scanning, but immunization and tea timer work fine. I had hoped after upgrading to Spybot 1.52 the scanning issue would go away - but am still have the same issue as I had with 1.4.
I do scan on a regular basis with both Adaware & SuperAntispyware (along with NIS 2007 firewall & Virus on all the time), so therefore do not believe that I have spyware on my system.
Sorry to hear you're having problems with SpyBot. I have been using it more and more --- having activated TeaTimer effective with 1.5.1.12 Beta, and Immunization even more recently --- and the more I "exploit" its features, the more I like it [especially TeaTimer].
But you're not a "newbie" --- my sense is that you're experienced enough for me to accept that you're really having a problem [especially since Joe53 has had a problem, and he unquestionablyknows what he's doing when it comes to anti-malware programs]. I assume you're using alternative programs, which do a comparable job?
sounds like it's definitely a Norton vs. SpyBot issue. in fact, I've just located the following (apparently old) article on the SpyBot website, which asserts that NIS 2007 "has told users that Spybot-S&D would be incompatible [with NIS] and ... urges the user to uninstall Spybot-S&D":
Despite being acknowledged 2 1/4 years ago, it appears they (Norton, SpyBot) have never "reconciled" this matter :smileymad:
your signature indicates you're using ad-aware 7.0.1.4 --- i don't know if you just haven't updated your signature, but the current version is 7.0.2.6. in any event, i am NO LONGER an advocate of Ad-Aware. in fact, at this point, i believe that '72Vet, Joe53, and even BugBatter [the last "holdout"] have all "thrown in the towel" here.
Speaking for myself, I have replaced Ad-Aware with MBAM (MalwareBytes Anti-Malware) [for Windows 2000, XP, and Vista], which can be downloaded from http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
the FREE version includes a scanner, with removal (and quarantine) capability.
[The paid/"shareware" version additionally offers real-time protection... but I think the free version should suffice, especially for testing purposes].
I still recommend SuperAntiSpyware, which you already have.
as for spybot, since you said "immunization and tea timer work fine", I'd keep those two features activated, and just avoid the scanner which seems to be "causing" your conflict with NIS. By the way, are you using the SDHelper BHO?
ky331, currently I am using TrendMicro Internet Pro. It is incompatible with most other spyware programs. Until now, I have been a fan of Spy Sweeper even though it delays startup significantly. It prevents TM's firewall from loading. I have found Windows Defender disappointing and Ad Aware inadequate, at least the free version I have used. I'm going to give Malware Bytes free version a trial.
looking at the MBAM forums, i see that user "remixed" reports that "Mbam works fine with.....wait for it...Trend Micro I/S 2008, which is pretty remarkable as nothing else does".
WOW :-( sorry to hear your problems are continuing. at this point --- considering your bad SpyBot experience as well --- I have to seriously wonder if TrendMicro itself is the cause/basis of your instability???
I suggest you report your "headache" --- in as much detail as possible --- at the MBAM forum:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showforum=41
the head-honcho there, "RubberDucky", is very interested in making all his programs [which include RogueRemover, and AboutBuster] as high-quality as possible.
ky331, it is definately TM Internet Pro 2008. TM 2007 was never a problem. After installing ANY spyware scanner, it will work for two or three boots and then the TM firewall refuses to load until all traces of the spyware scanner are gone. Fortunately, TM does a pretty fair job of removing spys and trojans as long as I delete the cookie file periodically. When this subscription expires, I may load Windows Live or use free CA from Road Runner. Have you an opinion about an AV-Firewall combo suite?
i'm not a fan of suites... while they do offer you the convenience of "one-stop-shopping" --- and as such, presumably won't exhibit any incompatabilities --- it's unlikely that all the components will "shine" equally as well. and they're often guilty of excessive "bloat".
rather, i pick & choose for among the free offerings.
for anti-virus, i'm using AVG free. i started with it years ago, and haven't found reason to change. however, let me point out that Joe53, who has tested them all, prefers Avast to AVG, and Avira's AntiVir to Avast.
[i can give you links to any/all, if you wish]
as for a firewall, the recommendation is Comodo. I'm still using the older version, 2.4 (which is still available, and simpler to "train"... but doesn't offer HIPS protection). Joe has upgraded to the newer 3.x, and after some initially turbulent times, I believe he's now happy with the latest version.
as for anti-malware [and I realize you're not happy with Windows Defender]:
Assuming they are compatible with your operating system (see requirements/links below),
my [free] anti-spyware recommendations are as follows:
resident protection: Windows Defender and/or Spybot's TeaTimer.
additional on-demand scanners: SuperAntiSpyware (SAS) and MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM)
immunization via Spybot, and SpywareBlaster.
pseudo-protection: WinPatrol.
Here are the program links:
Windows Defender [Windows XP Service Pack 2; or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (or higher); and I believe it's
automatically included as part of Vista]
ky331, thanks for the extended advice. I sure wish TM would allow compatible programs. It was an expensive surprise. So much for Consumer Reports recommendations.
one of the "nice" aspects of the above suggestions is that all are free. so [unless you run into major conflicts, as unfortunately you did] there's nothing to lose [except time] in trying them out. that's what Joe53 did... he tried each of the 3 free antivirus programs [installing only one at any given time], tried them out, and decided [at least, for him] that avira was best, avast 2nd, avg third. [but stress that, even as #3, he felt AVG still does a good job].
most, if not all, of the above free versions have a paid counterpart. taking avg, for example, i believe the paid version gives you more control over obtaining multiple automatic daily updates --- the free version allows you to schedule only one such automatic daily update. I think the one should be enough, and so, see no significant gain in features in the paid version here.
in other cases, such as superantispyware and malwarebytes anti-malware, the paid version offers real-time (resident) protection [the free versions offer only the on-demand scanners, with full removal/quarantine capabilities]. so there might be some rhyme & reason to go for a paid version here... provided the resident scanner doesn't conflict with anything else running in a resident capacity.
i run both Windows Defender as well as SpyBot's TeaTimer for resident anti-malware protection. I have not found any conflicts, nor slowdowns, by doing so. Since, like you, I often wonder just how much protection Windows Defender is actually providing, I believe [whether rightly so or not] that I have upped the protection level by adding-on TeaTimer. the only downside is that, when it comes to notices/warnings from them, there are often duplications... getting a notice from Defender and also from TeaTimer (and yes, occasionally a third notice from WinPatrol). Joe53 is bothered by these multiple notices, and so runs only Defender. I'm happy to see the notices... it proves that these programs are in fact monitoring things... and so, i don't mind the multiple advisories from them.
by the way, if you are interested in the recommendation of any paid programs, i could check with Joe and see what he has to say... I know he's also happy with one of the paid anti-virus programs.
I am running Adaware 7.0.2.6 (like you said, I just didn't update my profile - thanks). Not sure what SDHelper BHO does for me, but I don't believe I have it running.
When I installed NIS 2007 I was aware of the conflict with Spybot, but since NIS 2006 did not conflict with Spybot 1.4 I gave it a try. I get the NIS suites basically free after rebates that's why I've been sticking with it. I love the Spybot Teatimer feature, it protects the registry. If I'm not home and my wife is not sure what to do - she just replies no to any registry updates.
Dr. Lawrence Ho
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February 11th, 2008 15:00
ky331
3 Apprentice
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15.6K Posts
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February 11th, 2008 22:00
Paindoc,
for what it's worth, I run SpyBot under XP, with Immunization (including HOSTS file protection on one system, but not including HOSTS on the other), without encountering any of the problems you've indicated. On that basis, I have to believe your problems are not simply a matter of XP and/or Immunization. I also run SpyBot's SDHelper (Bad Download Blocker BHO for IE) as well as TeaTimer (resident anti-malware protection).
I've not heard/seen many problems with SpyBot... in fact, the only reliably-confirmed issue I'm aware of is Joe53 having encountered problems with SDHelper.
kupchik:
you wrote: "This started happening under version 1.4 once I updated to NIS 2007". I take that to mean SpyBot was working fine for you until you did the Norton update. If so, I wonder if Norton is the source of your conflict?
Dr. Lawrence Ho
2 Intern
•
2K Posts
0
February 12th, 2008 01:00
kupchik
148 Posts
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February 12th, 2008 10:00
ky331,
You are correct, I had no problems with teatimer or scanning with Spybot until the installation of NIS 2007. NIS would not install with Spybot 1.4 installed so I removed it, installed NIS 2007, and then re-installed 1.4. Ever since then I have been getting the error upon scanning, but immunization and tea timer work fine. I had hoped after upgrading to Spybot 1.52 the scanning issue would go away - but am still have the same issue as I had with 1.4.
I do scan on a regular basis with both Adaware & SuperAntispyware (along with NIS 2007 firewall & Virus on all the time), so therefore do not believe that I have spyware on my system.
ky331
3 Apprentice
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15.6K Posts
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February 12th, 2008 12:00
Paindoc
Sorry to hear you're having problems with SpyBot. I have been using it more and more --- having activated TeaTimer effective with 1.5.1.12 Beta, and Immunization even more recently --- and the more I "exploit" its features, the more I like it [especially TeaTimer].
But you're not a "newbie" --- my sense is that you're experienced enough for me to accept that you're really having a problem [especially since Joe53 has had a problem, and he unquestionably knows what he's doing when it comes to anti-malware programs]. I assume you're using alternative programs, which do a comparable job?
ky331
3 Apprentice
•
15.6K Posts
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February 12th, 2008 12:00
kupchik,
sounds like it's definitely a Norton vs. SpyBot issue. in fact, I've just located the following (apparently old) article on the SpyBot website, which asserts that NIS 2007 "has told users that Spybot-S&D would be incompatible [with NIS] and ... urges the user to uninstall Spybot-S&D":
http://www.spybot.info/en/news/2006-09-29.html
Despite being acknowledged 2 1/4 years ago, it appears they (Norton, SpyBot) have never "reconciled" this matter :smileymad:
your signature indicates you're using ad-aware 7.0.1.4 --- i don't know if you just haven't updated your signature, but the current version is 7.0.2.6. in any event, i am NO LONGER an advocate of Ad-Aware. in fact, at this point, i believe that '72Vet, Joe53, and even BugBatter [the last "holdout"] have all "thrown in the towel" here.
Speaking for myself, I have replaced Ad-Aware with MBAM (MalwareBytes Anti-Malware) [for Windows 2000, XP, and Vista], which can be downloaded from http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
(or http://www.majorgeeks.com/Malwarebytes_Anti-Malware_d5756.html )
the FREE version includes a scanner, with removal (and quarantine) capability.
[The paid/"shareware" version additionally offers real-time protection... but I think the free version should suffice, especially for testing purposes].
I still recommend SuperAntiSpyware, which you already have.
as for spybot, since you said "immunization and tea timer work fine", I'd keep those two features activated, and just avoid the scanner which seems to be "causing" your conflict with NIS. By the way, are you using the SDHelper BHO?
Dr. Lawrence Ho
2 Intern
•
2K Posts
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February 12th, 2008 16:00
ky331, currently I am using TrendMicro Internet Pro. It is incompatible with most other spyware programs. Until now, I have been a fan of Spy Sweeper even though it delays startup significantly. It prevents TM's firewall from loading. I have found Windows Defender disappointing and Ad Aware inadequate, at least the free version I have used. I'm going to give Malware Bytes free version a trial.
ky331
3 Apprentice
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15.6K Posts
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February 12th, 2008 17:00
Paindoc,
looking at the MBAM forums, i see that user "remixed" reports that "Mbam works fine with.....wait for it...Trend Micro I/S 2008, which is pretty remarkable as nothing else does".
see post#19 here: http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=3354
of course, that won't "guarantee" your success, but here's hoping....
Dr. Lawrence Ho
2 Intern
•
2K Posts
0
February 12th, 2008 22:00
ky331
3 Apprentice
•
15.6K Posts
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February 12th, 2008 23:00
WOW :-( sorry to hear your problems are continuing. at this point --- considering your bad SpyBot experience as well --- I have to seriously wonder if TrendMicro itself is the cause/basis of your instability???
I suggest you report your "headache" --- in as much detail as possible --- at the MBAM forum:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showforum=41
the head-honcho there, "RubberDucky", is very interested in making all his programs [which include RogueRemover, and AboutBuster] as high-quality as possible.
Dr. Lawrence Ho
2 Intern
•
2K Posts
0
February 13th, 2008 17:00
ky331
3 Apprentice
•
15.6K Posts
0
February 13th, 2008 18:00
i'm not a fan of suites... while they do offer you the convenience of "one-stop-shopping" --- and as such, presumably won't exhibit any incompatabilities --- it's unlikely that all the components will "shine" equally as well. and they're often guilty of excessive "bloat".
rather, i pick & choose for among the free offerings.
for anti-virus, i'm using AVG free. i started with it years ago, and haven't found reason to change. however, let me point out that Joe53, who has tested them all, prefers Avast to AVG, and Avira's AntiVir to Avast.
[i can give you links to any/all, if you wish]
as for a firewall, the recommendation is Comodo. I'm still using the older version, 2.4 (which is still available, and simpler to "train"... but doesn't offer HIPS protection). Joe has upgraded to the newer 3.x, and after some initially turbulent times, I believe he's now happy with the latest version.
as for anti-malware [and I realize you're not happy with Windows Defender]:
Assuming they are compatible with your operating system (see requirements/links below),
my [free] anti-spyware recommendations are as follows:
resident protection: Windows Defender and/or Spybot's TeaTimer.
additional on-demand scanners: SuperAntiSpyware (SAS) and MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (MBAM)
immunization via Spybot, and SpywareBlaster.
pseudo-protection: WinPatrol.
Here are the program links:
Dr. Lawrence Ho
2 Intern
•
2K Posts
0
February 13th, 2008 21:00
ky331
3 Apprentice
•
15.6K Posts
0
February 13th, 2008 22:00
one of the "nice" aspects of the above suggestions is that all are free. so [unless you run into major conflicts, as unfortunately you did] there's nothing to lose [except time] in trying them out. that's what Joe53 did... he tried each of the 3 free antivirus programs [installing only one at any given time], tried them out, and decided [at least, for him] that avira was best, avast 2nd, avg third. [but stress that, even as #3, he felt AVG still does a good job].
most, if not all, of the above free versions have a paid counterpart. taking avg, for example, i believe the paid version gives you more control over obtaining multiple automatic daily updates --- the free version allows you to schedule only one such automatic daily update. I think the one should be enough, and so, see no significant gain in features in the paid version here.
in other cases, such as superantispyware and malwarebytes anti-malware, the paid version offers real-time (resident) protection [the free versions offer only the on-demand scanners, with full removal/quarantine capabilities]. so there might be some rhyme & reason to go for a paid version here... provided the resident scanner doesn't conflict with anything else running in a resident capacity.
i run both Windows Defender as well as SpyBot's TeaTimer for resident anti-malware protection. I have not found any conflicts, nor slowdowns, by doing so. Since, like you, I often wonder just how much protection Windows Defender is actually providing, I believe [whether rightly so or not] that I have upped the protection level by adding-on TeaTimer. the only downside is that, when it comes to notices/warnings from them, there are often duplications... getting a notice from Defender and also from TeaTimer (and yes, occasionally a third notice from WinPatrol). Joe53 is bothered by these multiple notices, and so runs only Defender. I'm happy to see the notices... it proves that these programs are in fact monitoring things... and so, i don't mind the multiple advisories from them.
by the way, if you are interested in the recommendation of any paid programs, i could check with Joe and see what he has to say... I know he's also happy with one of the paid anti-virus programs.
kupchik
148 Posts
0
February 14th, 2008 12:00
ky331,
I am running Adaware 7.0.2.6 (like you said, I just didn't update my profile - thanks). Not sure what SDHelper BHO does for me, but I don't believe I have it running.
When I installed NIS 2007 I was aware of the conflict with Spybot, but since NIS 2006 did not conflict with Spybot 1.4 I gave it a try. I get the NIS suites basically free after rebates that's why I've been sticking with it. I love the Spybot Teatimer feature, it protects the registry. If I'm not home and my wife is not sure what to do - she just replies no to any registry updates.