Avast is a great program and free! Best of luck!

AVG–my husband is a tech/computer wiz, and he swears by this software. The nice thing is that it is FREE! Do you run Windows? If so, what version? He mentioned that XP is rather outdated and prone to getting viruses with a lot of their security flaws. We upgraded to Windows 7 and love it, so if you can, I’d suggest doing that (if you haven’t already) and using AVG.

Time for a Mac? Yes, they are more expensive, but my 2 macs bought in 2005 are still humming along like new…

I had the same problem, and after trying tons of combinations I found this worked for me, and it was FREE:)
SuperAntiSpyware Free Program, got rid of HUNDREDS of tracking cookies and adware cookies.
Malwarebytes AntiMalware program, blocks tons of suspicious items while surfing through blogs:)
I also tried HitmanPro but it did nothing, and AdAware also did nothing…
Good luck!

Everyone – Thanks for the advice! I’ve been so frustrated all weekend about the whole computer thing. I haven’t quite figured out what to do yet but it sounds like I need to do some updating. I’m so bad at the techy side off blogging…I just want to write and post some pics. I appreciate your support!

I will second the mac thing! I am a convert.

I’ve been happiest recently with a combination of Microsoft Security Essentials, Ad-Aware Free (leave it running if you can spare the RAM), and running Spybot Search & Destroy manually once a week (that is, I do not let it run in the background.) I also use a local firewall, and a hardware firewall on the router. Update everything frequently and scan regularly. Whatever program(s) you choose is (are) only as good as it’s most recent virus definition update.

Ugh! Computer problems are the worst. No suggestions (I have a Mac) but I hope you get it figured out soon!!

I’ve tried several but the one that has saved me over and over again is Webroot. Wouldn’t use anything else. Good luck!

$$$ spent on a Mac is money well spent. I converted about a year ago, its so much easier than a pc and it will save you in the long run, they don’t even need virus protection. Love your house! You need a high powered computer to support you wonderful blog!

I’ve used Spybot Search & Destroy, AVG Anti-Virus, and Ad-Aware. When I had spyware problems on my old computer, it took a combination of a few programs to get rid of everything. The good thing is that these ones are all free and you can download them from Cnet! If you have Comcast as your internet provider they offer a free Norton Anti-Virus subscription. My new computer has Windows 7 which seems to do a good job of alerting me if a program is trying to make changes to my computer.

My suggestion? A MAC! I’ve had the same one for 4 years with absolutely NO problems. Previous to that purchase my PC had to be wiped 4 times in one year, ya, I went with the MAC, and I never looked back. You pay more upfront, but it’s so worth it. There’s virtually no maintenance needed.

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