I've been attacking my computer with Ad-Aware and going places I didn't know existed trying to get rid of the last few thorns in my side: Adserv and something called nitrous something, can't see it as it disappears before I can get all the info. I am also being bugged by Shopnav, the alternative search engine so many sites are using as a default, it seems. It is putting spyware on my computer left and right! What am I missing?  ??

So, I guess no one else who uses this service is plagued by adware, spyware, tracking miners, etc... but, in case I'm wrong, I just wanted to let you all know I solved my own problem and share some great shareware. Spybot Search and Destroy is a great compliment to Ad-Aware... both can be found by doing a Google search using the names. So, thanks anyway. Bye.

Before running Ad-aware, check for updates before running program. Then follow the directions here to do a full scan:

The following explains how to set Ad-aware's settings to perform a "Full Scan."

In Ad-aware click the Gear to go to the Settings area.

The following items should be on a green check, not on a red X.

Under the Scanning button:

Scan within archives

Under Memory & Registry, Check EVERYTHING

In Check Drives & Folders, make sure all of your hard drives are selected

Under the Advanced button, check ALL under Log detail level (this makes it easier for visitors to the Lavasoft Support Forums to see what options you have selected should you require assistance.)

Under the Tweak button...

Some of these may not be an available option, depending on your version of Ad-aware and your version of Windows. Do not be concerned if you cannot select a certain item.

In Scanning Engine:

Unload recognized processes during scanning

Include info about ignored objects in logfile, if detected in scan

Include basic Ad-aware settings in logfile

Include additional Ad-aware settings in logfile

Include used command line parameters in logfile

In Cleaning Engine:

XP/2000: Allow unloading explorer to unload shell extensions prior to deletion

Let Windows remove files in use at next reboot

UNCHECK: Automatically try to unregister objects prior to deletion

Click Proceed to save these settings. When you would like to perform a "Full Scan," switch the scan mode from SmartScan to Custom.

After running Ad-aware, you must reboot your computer. It may be necessary to run Ad-aware two or three times if you have a lot of spyware, rebooting each time in between.

Hope this helps!
Whiskey14

Wow! Thanks, Whiskey! I didn't know what those settings would do on Ad-aware, and when I simply changed the settings as you suggested, it found 31 additional things to dump, when on the smart-scan it only found four. :D

I would substitute Ad Aware with Giant AntiSpysware. It works much better. Use Giant and spybot for the best results but before running either program, be sure to go to "start", "run" and enter: "msconfig" then click OK to edit the system configuration utility. Click on the startup tab and remove any unrecognizable items from the startup folder as they are probably associated with spyware, otherwise, when you reboot the system, half of the spyware will simply reload itself and come right back.

You may download a free trial of the software at the link below. Just click on "Products" and then "Free Downloads." This product combined with the Spyware-Adware Removal Kit on the same site will provide a complete solution to your problem.

Thanks for your help! I'll check this out. I'm on a quest! Have you ever used Kephyr labs? I have found that helpful, too. www.kephyr.com has uninstall directions for a lot of junk.

No problem. Though Spysweeper is a great program, I have found that Giant AntiSpyware is the best overall spyware remover that I have ever used.

You may download a free trial of the software at the link below. Just click on "Products" and then "Free Downloads."