Spybot - Search & Destroy
Here is (in our opinion) the best free spyware and adware removal program available on the Internet. Patrick Kolla's Spybot S&E is so comprehensive and powerful that it blows away the competition in this field.

What makes Spybot special right from the start is it's capability to run in two completely different modes...Easy and Advanced. The easy format is simple enough for newbies to install and use and still get rock solid removal and protection of...and from...almost every known spyware and adware variant. The advanced mode has so many features, and is so powerful that even the most tech savvy geek will quiver with sheer joy.

Here are just some of the many excellent features of Spybot - Search & Destroy: Removal of adware, spyware, dialers, keyloggers, trojans and usage tracks. User-extendable database. Shredding of threats. Full backup and restore capabilities. Fully configurable exclude options. ActiveX download blocking. Tracking cookies blocking. Download blocking. Command line options. Detailed viewable logs. Strict exclusion criteria. Integrated update function. Free email & forum support. Fully configurable automation for scans, removals and updates. Available in 51 languages. Custom Skins and much more.
Download Spybot - Search & Destroy. For Win 98, Me, NT, 2000 and XP | File size 5 MB. Editors note: We have been using this program on all our servers for over six months. We highly recommend it as your frontline defense against spyware and adware!

Ad-Aware SE Personal
Ad-Aware SE Personal from Lavasoft is another excellent free adware and spyware software tool. While the program is not as configurable or feature rich as Spybot Search and Destroy (above), it does provide advanced protection from known data-mining, aggressive advertising, Trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components.

The one problem we have with Ad-Aware is the free versions lack of automation, e.g., you have to remember to run it manually every day. You can get the paid version which will allow you to configure the program to run in the background automatically. However, even with it's lack of features, Ad-Aware free is #2 on our list of the best spyware and adware removal programs and a good second line of defense in the war against unwanted nasties on your computer.

The software is downloadable free of charge from the Lavasoft website. Look for the "Ad-Aware Personal" link on left side of page.
Download Ad-Aware SE Personal. For Win 98, Me, NT, 2000 and XP | File size 3 MB. Editors note: We use both Spybot and Ad-Aware on our servers. It is a good idea to have a multi layered approach to system scanning as there may be a case where one program will catch something the other will not. Incidentally, both programs play well together and using both will not muck up your system.

Other Spyware and Adware Free Software Portals

Scan Complete
Here's a well done freeware application portal that specializes in freeware downloads, reviews and instruction of virus, spyware, adware and spam removal software utilities and tools. Scan Complete is an accurate name for this site as it is a comprehensive online resource for computer security freeware and information.

alwaysecure.net
Lists offers for antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall, spam protection and other free security downloads.

The Spyware Warrior
With all the spyware programs now available online, have you ever wished there was a site you could go to that would give you honest reviews and information on which ones are on the level and which are suspect, or even dangerous? Good news...we've found a site that specializes in just that. The Spyware Warrior attempts to keep a current list of Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites. It's owner tests spyware products and then posts reviews on the site with complete details on what he's found - good or bad. The site also has a good selection of information on spyware removal and prevention along with recommendations on reputable programs and services. Editors note: If you have any doubts or questions regarding any of the programs or utilities we review and list here, visit this excellent site for more information.

Spyware and Adware Removal Utilities and Information Sites

HijackThis
HijackThis (from the good people at Merijn.org) is a general homepage hijackers detector and remover. It is an invaluable tool when trying to find out what is wrong with your Internet connection and web browser.

The program scans your Internet Explorer settings and registry file and creates a comprehensive log that can be copied and pasted into virus, spyware and adware help forums. It also has a "Fix" function that will remove entries in your Reg. file. However, unless you are an advanced user, we strongly suggest you do not use this function as you may delete files or extensions that could make your connection and system unstable.

If you have a particularly nasty malware program on your system that one of the above removal programs can not seem to fix, you will most definitely need this program.
Download HijackThis. For Win 98, Me, NT, 2000 and XP | File size 154 KB. Editors note: Every help forum we have ever visited has asked first and foremost for a HijackThis log! The link above is to their download page. Scroll down the page until you see the "HijackThis" icon. Also, we have put together a list of spyware removal help forums and information on how to use them. You can view this page here: Spyware Removal Forums

CWShredder
CWShredder is a simple free downloadable tool (from Intermute - now owned by Trend Micro) that finds and destroys traces of a malware program called CoolWebSearch. CoolWebSearch is a name given to a wide range of different browser hijackers. Though the code is very different between variants, they are all used to redirect users to coolwebsearch.com and other sites affiliated with its operators.
Download CWShredder. For Win 98, Me, NT, 2000 and XP | File size 126 KB. Editors note: The link above is to the Intermute home page. Look for the "CWShredder" link on left of this page.

CleanUp!
CleanUp! is a powerful and easy-to-use application that removes temporary files created while surfing the web, empties the Recycle Bin, deletes files from your temporary folders and more. It also can be used as a way to protect your privacy on the Internet by instructing the program to securely delete files. This makes it impossible to retrieve their contents using lower-level disk tools.
Download CleanUp!. For Win 98, Me, NT, 2000 and XP | File size 328 KB. Editors note: Yet another utility that is often requested by spyware, adware and virus help forums during removal sessions. This one can...and should also be used on a regular basis to help keep your system squeaky clean and running fast.

Pocket Killbox
Pocket Killbox is a handy little utility that deletes files that cannot be erased from Windows Explorer. Get rid of files that stubbornly refuse to allow you to delete them.
Download Pocket Killbox. For Win 98, Me, NT, 2000 and XP | File size 47 KB. Editors note: This is another program that is routinely asked for on spyware, adware and virus help forums. Be very careful using this program unless you are a power user. You may wind up deleting a file that will render your OS unusable. We suggest you download the program and just keep in handy in the event it's asked for on a form.

RootkitRevealer
Rootkit is a term to describe the mechanisms and techniques whereby malware, including viruses, spyware, and trojans, attempt to hide their presence from spyware blockers, antivirus, and system management utilities. RootkitRevealer is a free advanced rootkit detection utility. It runs on Windows NT 4 and higher and its output lists Registry and file system API discrepancies that may indicate the presence of a user-mode or kernel-mode rootkit. RootkitRevealer successfully detects all persistent well known rootkits.
Download RootkitRevealer. For Win 98, Me, NT, 2000 and XP | File size 208 KB. Editors note: This utility is for power users only. While RootkitRevealer only detects the presence of a rootkit and does not modify system settings, it's output will look like tech gibberish to a non power user. We've only listed it as an extra option for IT admins and the like.

Virus, Spyware and Adware Help Forums
If you have a particularly nasty spyware, adware or virus infection on your system, you may need to visit a reputable online help forum. Visit our virus, spyware and adware help forums page where we offer free information on how to use the forums to get the help you need to remove malicious files from your computer. The page also includes a list of free help forums with links.