Hello,

I have just set up an older computer on 2K pro sp4 loaded over 98SE using fat32 (yes I know the benefits of NTSF, but prefer fat32 for reasons of my own). I loaded Foxfire, AVG, ran AVG, found and deleted several virii. Loaded Zonealarm. Loaded Adaware SE Personal, ran and deleted several adware programs, loaded Spybot S&D.

Spybot S&D loaded normally up to the point where it should start up. It would not start up. No error messages, task manager showed it not responding. I shut down to reboot, but windows came up to just before the log in and shut down and rebooted. Would not boot into safe mode, only kept rebooting in normal mode.

Re-installed W2k using the repair option. Booted windows, ran a full scan with AVG came up clean, ran adaware came up clean. Tried to start Spybot, would not start. Uninstalled Spybot, deleted Spybot installer, downloaded new spybot, ran setup, did fine until time to start up, would not start.

I made sure all instances of Spybot were closed in task manager, ran AVG and Adaware again, rebooted and at least I was able to reboot this time. Ran Trend Housecall, it deleted a few things. Tried spybot again and still would not start.

Everything else seems to work fine, but do you have any idea why Spybot S&D will not start? I have used this program for years on all computers and never seen this problem before. Any help would be appreciated.

This is not really a solution to your problem but rather some advice. Many other users on this board have pointed out to me and others that you should not form loyalty to a program especially when it is faulty. To be honest Spybot is not as good as it once was. It has pretty low rates of finding spyware compared to the other free products of today and the only thing carrying it is how good it once was. I would suggest using AVG Antispyware and SuperAntiSpyware. They are both excellent products with much higher detection rates. If the problem stems from only one program and does not affect anything else on the computer I would just ditch the program rather than fix it. But, if you install these other great spyware services and they do not work you may have a more serious problem then I would start the process of troubleshooting it. Good luck ;)

Have you tried running it in "SAFE MODE"? If that does not work, check with Spybot S&D Support.

A better alternative is SUPERAntiSpyware Free.

Thank you for your help. I will try the SuperAntispyware and see what happens. I have used Spybot S&D pretty much since it was invented and it has served me well. I have really not had a reason to explore the possibility that is has been superceded by better programs. What free program currently is known as the spyware program to catch and remove the most spyware. I know the two of you mentioned several, but what is currently acclaimed as the best? Thank you.

No single product is 100% foolproof and can detect and remove all threats at any given time. The security community is in a constant state of change as new infections appear. Each vendor has its own definition of what constitutes malware and scanning your computer using different criteria will yield different results. The fact that each program has its own definition files means that some malware may be picked up by one that could be missed by another. Thus, a multi-layered defense using several anti-spyware products (including an effective firewall) to supplement your anti-virus combined with common sense and safe surfing habits provides the most complete protection.

See BC's List of Virus & Malware Resources and Freeware Replacements For Common Commercial Apps.