Gator and GAIN
 

how the HELL do I get this crap off of my computer short of formatting my hard drive?

Re: Gator and GAIN
 

A free program called Adaware.

-Rudey

Re: Re: Gator and GAIN
 

You can get this at www.lavasoftusa.com.

It works great.

bless you both

And don't ever say Yes to downloading Precision Time or Date Manager. They are embedded with Gator/GAIN. Get a pop up blocker and anti spyware software. Always read the question that pops up when it's trying to install something. My daughter was on a web site and hollered for me when a dialogue box came up. The first one said "Do you want to install this?" so you had to answer "no". The next question was worded in a different way.. something like "Are you sure you want to go without blah blah blah?" so you had to say "Yes" for it to NOT install.

Adware and Spyware are outta control (but they give me job security as my users at work keep downloading junk).

Dee

Spybot is another good spyware remover. If you get one of those download pop ups when you enter a website, don't click yes!

Okay, I'm trying to get both Spybot and AdAware and they're both saying that I lack something about a download--WSL_32.DLL or something like that. What is it, how do I finish this, and how do I run the programs?

Sounds like some 32-bit dynamic link library (DLL) that may have been deleted when another program that uses the same DLL got removed. You may need to reinstall Windows (it's not as bad as it seems - there is an option to repair an installation that has gone Tango Uniform.) Some software companies will furnish this updated DLL on installation.

Be sure to turn off any firewall or anti-virus software before installing as well - you could end up with a corrupted installation.

It may be looking for WSOCK32.dll, which should be in your C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM folder

I think I've had to replace that DLL file before. Try putting it into a search engine and seeing if you can just download it somewhere.

I have the Google toolbar, which blocks pop-ups when you're going to ad-supported webpages, and Adaware which removes spyware, and I haven't had any problems with pop-ups.

carnation, when you say trying to get, have you downloaded the installation programs and tried to run them? Is that where the problem occurs? Official Ad-Aware 6 Download site and Official Spybot-S&D Download site

Do check you were trying to download and install the latest versions; which the official site would always carry.

Also, if possible always run the programs in Administrator mode (i.e. log onto your individual computer as an administrator).
Also, you can get the requested DLL file from here or Microsoft site - Win 95 only version of the DLL.

Also don't forget to check for the latest reference file.

It changes multiple times per week as the spyware companies like GAIN try to thward Adaware type programs.

Argghh. I downloaded both and every time I try to run AdAware or Spybot, they're still telling me I haven't downloaded that file.

Carnation: Which version of Windows are you running?
 

Ummm so you downloaded the progs did you download the DLL file? :confused: Link to download it from is in my post; two posts up from yours.

... Five seconds later. Ohhhh you said you DID download the file. :D Well okey doke, let's see. First of all the SECOND link in my post is for a Win 95 only version so if you are not using Win 95, make sure you have a downloaded saved version of the DLL file via the first link (this one!).
Now the important thing which I'm guessing you need, is to make sure it's in the right place so Windows can find it. If you have W95 then the DLL installer would've put it in the right place (tho you could double check and copy it across anyway). If a newer version, download the correct DLL and put it in the correct directory yourself. Which'd be c:\windows\system32 or c:\winnt\system32. [E.g Move the file via Explorer etc). Then reboot your PC so it 'loads' the file.
Finally, try re-running the install programs. Let us know how it goes.

Once you get it up and running :), ktsnake's comment is good advice - each program has a 'search for updates' or 'check for updates now' feature to search for and download updates to the software.