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?  

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.

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?

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?

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.

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....