While using automated anti-spyware and anti-malware applications is much easier than trying to manually remove cookies, registry settings, ActiveX controls, and other items, realize that false alarms can and do happen.

* I've had anti-spyware programs think a link to a Sony VAIO webpage was the CoolWebSearch spyware.

* The same anti-spyware program thought a few entries in my Search Assistant's recent file list was a dialer.

* A while back I wrote a definition of what "crash" means in the MalekTips Message Forums. I saved this definition to disk, thinking it might later make a nice tip. Lo and behold, another anti-spyware program thought this text file was a piece of adware!

* The same anti-spyware program as mentioned above thought a bitmap file on my hard drive was a piece of software that displays ads while I'm hooked to a game server!

* I've had some anti-spyware software find uninstall entries for other anti-spyware software and call it spyware!

Thus, while you shouldn't take all found spyware with a grain of salt, look at each found entry and strongly consider whether or not the found entry is spyware. If desired, ask your local computer tech for help, or post your questions in the MalekTips Message Forums.

Print This Tip

Get E-Mail When New Tips are Online

Return to the Spyware and Adware page.