Ad-Aware didn't remove Gator!

[Sylvander]

I have "Gstartup" unticked in the "Startup" tab of "msconfig" [the Microsoft Configuration Utility] so it doesn't run at startup.
I could not find the setting which is used to start it where some others are kept.
e.g.
1. "regedit\Local Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version"
in the disabling keys for Run, RunOnce, RunServices, RunServicesOnce,
namely: Run-, RunOnceEx, RunServicesEx, RunServicesOnceEx [I think}

2. File "C:\Windows\win.ini"

I finally found it here:
3. The "C:\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Disabled Startup Items" folder.

I have found what I believe are nasties as follows:
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\GMT" [a Gator folder I think]
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\cmeii" [a Gator folder I think]
"C:\Program Files\Common Files\eAcceleration"

Does anyone have comments/suggestions on how to clean all traces from my PC?

Would it be ok just to delete the files and startup settings and start menu shortcuts?

I have "SpywareBlaster" installed for free from here
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/spywareblaster.html
to block the installation of spyware, but "Gator" doesn't seem to be one of the many listed.

[ErnieK]

Have you tried running "SPyBot-Search & Destroy" as well?
I have seen written instructions for the total removal of GAtor so will do a search again for them.

Only other thing would be to go into the registry and delete all reference to Gator there. But this is one of the hardest programs for weeding out and getting rid of.
Remember if you are going to work in the registry - to back it up first

Meanwhile hope this will help you in the meantime

http://forums.thiefware.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.pl?s=3d61179c341fffff;act=ST;f=3;t=3;st= 0

there are 2 pages

[Whyzman]

Sylvander,

Have you taken a look at RegCleaner (http://www.vtoy.fi/jv16/index.php) by Jouni Vuorio? There are a number of different utility tabs that might turn up an achilles' heel to the leathery beast! ;)

Here's one set of instructions (http://www.pchell.com/support/gator.shtml) for removal.

Just saw in Answers That Work (http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist_d.htm) regarding "Datemanager," and "PrecisionTime." These also need a little Gator Excavator.....As shown, they are also in the Add/Remove Programs list (This can also be handled using RegCleaner under the Add/Remove tab).

[Sylvander]

Well, I took a backup of the C: drive and then I used "SpyBot".

I was quite impressed.

It's more complex than "Ad-Aware" so it takes a little more thought and time to get accustomed to.
It found lots of folders, files and registry settings for possible deletion.
I like the colour coding.
Red for spyware,
green for things which get tracked [by Windows] that don't NEED to be deleted but you might want to if you were paranoid [para-know-ide], and
black for system problems [I had no black].
There were plenty marked red and I deleted all but two.
So far there have been no problems.
"Gator" was caught, included and removed successfully at the second attempt.
The second removal was done at reboot before Windows had completed booting.
The folders "GMT" & "cmeii" were removed by "SpyBot" and I removed the "eAccelleration" folder manually.

It looks like time spent getting to understand the operation of "SpyBot" would be well rewarded.

[mjc]

The other thing about the "tracks" is they get pretty darn big very rapidly......especially if using IE/OE.....so it would be a good idea to periodically get rid of them.

It seems you problem with AdAware stems from the fact it tried to get rid of it without a reboot....

I don't know what is up with AA lately but it has been falling down on the job...some say it is because of infighting among the devleopers and others say it is because of the upcoming release of the next version...I personally think it is the second.

[Sylvander]

I was [and still am] happy with Ad-Aware.

It is simple to use and removes nasties and that can't be bad.

SpyBot catches more, or things that Ad-Aware doesn't.

By the way, Ad-Aware did require a reboot and a second go to remove some things, just as SpyBot does.

I'm a happy bunny at the moment.

All I need now is for "SpywareBlaster" to include "Gator" in it's list.

WHYZMAN
I've had "Regcleaner" along with some others for quite some time now but I'm a little nervous about using it.
The first time I used it to scan, the list of registry settings up for removal made me back off.

[Whyzman]

Sylvander,

From my experience, RegCleaner is accurate in what it finds to need dumping. I run the Microsoft RegClean first and then RegCleaner following each software install I do. I am absolutely amazed that RegClean finds things to fix and RegCleaner then finds more in its follow-up.

I've been using this procedure for a while now after reading THIS (http://www.tweak3d.net/tweak/cleanup/) article. I dispensed with running EasyCleaner since it needs a patch to restore my WinMe Help files....

I suspect if you've been using your computer for a while before running the Viorio RegCleaner you would have accumulated a ton of loose ends and junk. That I base on the fact that I'm ridding myself of stuff following each software installation.

Also, there is a backup file made.

My system experienced a considerable boot speed improvement after initial following the Tweakin routine. Now I just nip things in the bud and clean immediately following any install.