by Don Trauger – Kennett
AdwCleaner is another free malware cleanup program that can be utilized should your computer become infected. Of course if you have previously installed my recommendation of Malwarebytes, you may not need AdwCleaner. However, I have seen several cases and have been told by another user that AdwCleaner removed some malware that Malwarebytes did not detect. This is a common issue in the industry. Each anti-malware company uses its proprietary detection and removal methods and the results will differ. Anti-virus programs work the same way. No two will produce the same detection and removal results.
ADW Cleaner detects and removes the same type of malware that Malwarebytes does. It will remove browser hijackers, toolbars, and other unwanted programs. Often these potentially unwanted programs (PUPS) come bundled with a program that you may have chosen to download. ALWAYS remove check marks next to selections for unneeded programs other than the one you want. READ very carefully each installation window to see if additional software may be installed by other means. I have seen selections of PUPS embedded in fake license information. You seldom need a license for a free program or a trial of a program. Unfortunately these PUPS can also infect your computer simply by visiting a web site without clicking on anything. It can be very frustrating when you get infected but having the right tools at your disposal can minimize the pain.
As good as Malwarebytes is, it’s not perfect. A second opinion is always a good idea. I recommend that when Malwarebytes detects an infection and it’s quarantined, you follow up with a scan using AdwCleaner.
This program works well as a stand alone or better yet in conjunction with Malwarebytes. My three free security recommendations therefore are Malwarebytes, Bitdfender Anti-Virus and AdwCleaner.
AdwCleaner can be download from: https://toolslib.net/downloads/viewdownload/1-adwcleaner/
Malwarebytes can be downloaded from: http://www.malwarebytes.org/
Bitdefender can be downloaded from: http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html
Remember to uninstall any other Anti-Virus program such as Norton, McAfee, etc. Only one Anti-Virus may be installed on a computer. After any of the previous programs are downloaded, you should find them in your Downloads folder. Double click to install.
Start AdwCleaner by clicking the Scan button and allow it to proceed. After scanning you may see some entries in the various Results categories such as Services, Files, Folders, etc. After it finishes scanning click the Clean button. This will remove the unwanted entries. Reboot the computer and scan again.
See a demonstration of AdwCleaner at our February PC club meeting. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7 PM upstairs in the Community Center.