180search Assistant runs amok

Somehow, I got 180search Assistant on my computer. I tried using Spybot - Search & Destroy to remove it, but the spyware kept reinstalling itself. It popped up a message saying that third-party software was trying to remove it without my permission.

I looked on the Internet for ways to get it off my computer. When I eventually found one that would eradicate it, I could not get back on the Internet. It had somehow disabled IE and made the Control Panel icons disappear. Also, I could not use the Restore function.

I had to reformat my drive and reinstall all my software. Bummer!

--James
Ohio, U.S.A.

Some spyware drops DLL files into your Windows directory and keys into the registry that trigger reinstallation if you manage to uninstall it. Antispyware applications have trouble with these because the reinstallation components often are difficult to track down. You might be able to banish the main components for your current session, but as soon as you reboot, the spyware reinstalls. We've personally encountered a particularly nasty instance of this with the hated BargainBuddy adware component. Every time that annoying dog icon popped up in our system tray, we wanted to wring its neck (along with the neck belonging to whoever created the mongrel). If you encounter spyware like this, first search the Web for uninstallation instructions. You might even want to post your problem on a message board--chances are someone else has had the same crisis. However, if you can't locate the offending file in your registry, reformatting may be your only option.

--Download.com editors

Stories

• > Big Brother has your number (and your name)
• > 180search Assistant runs amok
• > Not even a geek could slay this beast
• > Free music with a terrible price
• > The pitfalls of pornography
• > Spyware that comes out swinging
• > Think you're safe? Think again.
• > The seventh circle of spyware hell
• > Hey, shouldn't this be illegal?
• > Spyware that makes small children cry