Malware/adware scanners, different from antivirus programs, looks for PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) and gives you the option of deleting them. They are sometimes plagued by the fact that they often introduce unwanted installs themselves or occupy valuable system resouces.
Here are some good ones available for free with links to their downloads, but not giving you unwanted toolbars or apps:
CCleaner- cleans temporary internet files, caches and trash. Personally I keep history of URLs because I like being able to recall them. Has a registry cleaning function that you should use sparingly, but allows you to store a registry backup. Also can choose to disable/uninstall startups and applications. This is really a must have. It installs as a monitor, but you can uncheck this option in the options menu so you don't have it using resources and run it as you see fit.
AwdCleaner-Does a great job of cleaning your system and registry values of advertisements. This is not installed to your computer, but must be downloaded for an updated version each time. Always leads you to restart aqs part of the cleaning process. Download from Bleeping Computers.
Spybot- From Safer Networking, comes with a scan and monitoring capability, but you can uncheck this monitoring in the options menu so you don't have it using resources and run it as you see fit. Also has the ability to "immunize" your pc with their list of potentially dangerous websites.
Adaware-From Lavasoft, this used to be a great free scanner, now they still have a good free version that has monitoring capabilities. Claims to be anti-spyware and antivirus. Download hosted by CNET.
Here are some good ones available for free with links to their downloads, but not giving you unwanted toolbars or apps:
CCleaner- cleans temporary internet files, caches and trash. Personally I keep history of URLs because I like being able to recall them. Has a registry cleaning function that you should use sparingly, but allows you to store a registry backup. Also can choose to disable/uninstall startups and applications. This is really a must have. It installs as a monitor, but you can uncheck this option in the options menu so you don't have it using resources and run it as you see fit.
AwdCleaner-Does a great job of cleaning your system and registry values of advertisements. This is not installed to your computer, but must be downloaded for an updated version each time. Always leads you to restart aqs part of the cleaning process. Download from Bleeping Computers.
Spybot- From Safer Networking, comes with a scan and monitoring capability, but you can uncheck this monitoring in the options menu so you don't have it using resources and run it as you see fit. Also has the ability to "immunize" your pc with their list of potentially dangerous websites.
Adaware-From Lavasoft, this used to be a great free scanner, now they still have a good free version that has monitoring capabilities. Claims to be anti-spyware and antivirus. Download hosted by CNET.
