Can't do a clean uninstall SPYBOT version 1.4.0.9

[Kathie]

Hello,

To debug a downloading problem today, I attempted to disable SPYBOT, but it would not disable using the right click on the program icon in system tray. So, I temporarily disabled it from start up items in msconfig. I am using XP Pro. After determining SPYBOT was not related to the download problem, I simply had computer return to normal start up. THEN FROM THAT POINT ON I GET: Advanced Spyware Cleaner has encountered a problem and needs to close. I uninstalled the product, deleted the program folder, and followed the recommended instructions about deleting the application folder under all users (it was not there) and I ran the recommended registry cleaner.

So... I did a reinstall, and still get the same message at the end of the install. What troubles me is that some pieces must still be in the registry since it does not ask me to enter the serial number. Also, I tried uninstalling using the program's uninstaller and also via ADD/REMOVE programs. Note: I tried several attempts to reinstall the program (and it is version 1.4.0.9).

I really need help to fully remove SPYBOT so that I can reinstall it (and I suspect that would be a success if I am asked to register the product with the serial number I used initially). Note: I purchased SPYBOT and Error Killer on 9-24-2006 and had no problems until now. I even used Error Killer in addition to the recommended registry cleaner - but I keep encountering the same error.

Thank you.

~ Kathie

[md usa spybot fan]

Kathie:


Note: I purchased SPYBOT and Error Killer on 9-24-2006 and had no problems until now.
I afraid that you may have been duped into purchasing something that is not really Spybot-S&D. Spybot is a free product (donations are accepted/recommended to keep it going - see Donate (http://www.spybot.info/en/donate/index.html)).

The current version of Spybot-S&D is 1.4. In Add/remove Programs it should appear as "Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.4".

I suggest that you consider posting in the Malware Removal (http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22) forum and having someone take a look at your system and see what you really have running on your system.

The instructions for running preliminary scans, producing logs and posting in that forum are outlined in the following reference:
BEFORE you POST and Who will advise you. Preliminary Steps!
http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?t=288
Considering the fact that you may or may not have a bogus "SPYBOT", I suggest that you look at the downloads for Spybot-S&D and see if that is in fact where you got Spybot-S&D from one of these locations (but do not necessarily download and try to reinstall).

After completing those steps, start a new thread (topic) in the following forum (making sure to include the HijackThis and online scan logs produced from the instructions above):
Malware Removal
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22

[Kathie]

Hello,

I don't know what happened, but I did attempt to make a reply earlier (and thought it got posted, but apparently not).

I have posted in the Malware Removal Forum the information pertaining to my problem. I also have contacted PayPal to dispute the cost that I paid for what I thought was SPYBOT.

After reading your reply, I downloaded SPYBOT to my XP computer, and donated $20. I had previously (years ago) downloaded SPYBOT to my other computer (Windows ME) and also made a contribution back then as well. Because it is a great product, I had chose a few days ago to simply download (what I thought was SPYBOT) and contribute again. I chaulk it up to my being a "senior moment" to not realize that I was downloading something other than SPYBOT. Live and learn.

Hopefully with the help at the Malware Removal Forum, I will be able to clean up the remnants of SPYWAREBOT and Error-Killer.

I thank you again for your help and guidance.

~ Kathie