Help with spyware?

[lotsagifts]

I have Windows Defender already on my computer, without knowing this I went to ad-aware free downloads and tried the spybot. This showed 2264 parasites on my computer. I was then prompted to pay for the cleaning service. (even though it said free)

When I tried to download Windows Defender it told me it was already on my system, so I ran a scan and it says I have nothing and gave me a clean bill of health I guess you could say.

Why the difference and does Windows Defender even work? Or is Spybot just trying to get my money and making parasites up?

I know nothing about this stuff. I also have Norton Anti-Virus installed and am always checking on there as well.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[jgales]

I use Spybot Search & destroy which is free and seems to work well.

[stupefied]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lotsagifts</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This showed 2264 parasites on my computer. I was then prompted to pay for the cleaning service. (even though it said free) </div></div>
Are you sure it's Spybot S&D you downloaded?

[Stickler]

Sounds like you downloaded a copy of Spybot that may be loaded with spyware. I use a program called Super Anti-spyware. The home version is totally free and it works really well. it is available at http://www.superantispyware.com. Also, common sense goes a long way. If you see that ad on a page saying that you won a free laptop, its too good to be true. Also some other "free" programs such as screensavers or cursors usually are ad supported aswell.

[lotsagifts]

I used the super anti spyware and it seems to be OK. Only detected 6 this time and they were from the spybot download.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the help.

[Stickler]

no prob /ubbthreads/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

[Guest]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Canadian13</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sounds like you downloaded a copy of Spybot that may be loaded with spyware. I use a program called Super Anti-spyware. The home version is totally free and it works really well. it is available at http://www.superantispyware.com. Also, common sense goes a long way. If you see that ad on a page saying that you won a free laptop, its too good to be true. Also some other "free" programs such as screensavers or cursors usually are ad supported aswell. </div></div>

i read somewhere that the most likely way to download spyware/adware/malware/viruses is from screensaver/cursor/emoticon websites.