I would like to install Malwarebytes after all the good things I’ve read about it, plus a couple of endorsements from friends. However, I’m very wary of any anti-spyware software after my recent experiences.

A month ago I ran routine scans using SpyBot and Adaware. When I next booted up I couldn’t get past the "Welcome" screen. This is an Adaware issue that has been reported widely - the userinit value sometimes becomes corrupted by the removal of blazefind. It adds wsaupdater.exe to the logon value in the system registry, sometimes appending it, sometimes replacing it. Running Adaware detects and removes wsaupdater.exe, but doesn't correct the registry damage.

I had this, but taken to the next dimension – I had a reputable IT guy to fix it for me, but when he started talking about changing the value of registry keys, I knew I was out of my depth. It cost me a lot of time, money and stress to fix this.

When I eventually did get up and running again, it was Spybot’s turn. Windows Explorer and IE were running very slow, which I eventually traced to Spybot’s SDHelper addon. I disabled it and all was well.

If anti-spyware software is the cure, I’d rather stick with the disease. I cannot imagine how having spyware on my system could cause as much trouble, or as much expense, as running Spybot and Adaware have. I currently have no anti-spyware on my PC, which is running fine – if it ain’t broke…

Have I just been unlucky? I’d appreciate any thoughts or reflections from the wise heads on this forum.

Ta!

Adaware used to be the program for anti-spyware, but it has gotten bloated and not as effective.

I've never used S&D, so I can't say anything about that.

However, I've found MBAM to be the best anti-malware on the market today. I've got the full version for my laptop, and it hasn't caused me any problems.

You should know what you're doing because Malwarebytes' has some false positives from time to time. In my case: Adobe Photoshop and QIP Messenger!!

Edit: Yes, Ad-Aware is bloatware

Yeah, FP's happen, that's the trade-off with heuristics, but from what I've seen with MBAM so far, as long as you use the quarantine function and update often (and of course report an FP if you believe you've found one), you're relatively safe with MBAM. Marcin and crew are fairly quick at fixing FP's and MBAM has an excellent detection and removal rate of actual infections, some of which are so nasty that other antimalware apps can't even touch them, if they even detect them. And I only use Adaware SE now (have to manually download definition updates through my browser), because I refuse to install 07 or 08 because of the background service you can't get rid of even when using the free version as an on-demand scanner.

Your blaming the tools for what malware did. Blazefind caused your issues not AdAware. Malware does cause this sort of damage after removal very often. Don't blame the removal software. The SBS&D Helper normally doesn't cause any sort of performance issues, so again, I would say you are either still infected or have other issues. SBS&D is a great tool and the immunize feature is highly recommended. You wouldn't know if your infected or not, with nothing to tell you.

Keeping the malware is not the best choice, this subjects you to complete take over of your machine, addition to botnets, potential legal problems when your machine starts sending spam, you will have to prove your not the botmaster, identity theft is also a real possibility.

Imagine that malware can cause this much trouble, and then face the reality that it does cause this much trouble. Using no prevention is going to get you right back where you were guaranteed. All software has an occasional false positive, all of them. In fact I would be more suspicious of a program that didn't have a F/P, that would make me lean more towards they aren't doing any research, or heuristics to prevent malware and are of no use.

Prevention and common sense are your friends. Install some prevention, use some reputable scanners on a weekly basis at the least. The list below is all free, very low on resources and has saved millions from themselves and the evils of the WWW.
You should install them as part of your protection arsenal after reading what each program does and if it is compatible for your system.

A firewall and antivirus are also essential. The Windows firewall in XP and Vista is not sufficient.

Preform Windows Updates monthly on the second Tuesday or use automatic updates, and use your scanners weekly at the least. Always update before you scan.

Keep other software known for vulnerabilities updated also. Use the Secunia Inspector free scan to identify risks in outdated versions.
MBAM

hpHosts


Avira Antivir

Spybot Search & Destroy Be sure to use the immunize feature.

SpywareBlaster from Javacool Software

WinPatrol by BillPStudios

SiteHound by FireTrust

RogueRemover

Thanks for all the advice, it's much appreciated. Particularly JeanInMontana - I accept it is not exactly fair to blame malware removal tools for the damage that spyware does. Just frustration getting the better of my judgement.

I will install MBAM and follow all the other advice kindly offered here.

Yeah, and no worries, if your system does get hosed somehow after a removal by MBAM, the experts on the forum here offer their support for free and I can assure you they are very knowlegable.

It is very frustrating. Malware is a greedy, lazy crime of humanity. Those people behind it are too lazy to earn a living in any honorable profession and choose to exploit and assault others.