[AT] OT - Spyware problems

[Bob McNitt]

Mike -

Bargain Buddy consists of an IE Browser Helper Object, and a process set to 
run at startup. The BHO monitors web pages requested and terms entered into 
forms. If there is a match with a preset list of sites and keywords, an 
advertisement may be shown. The process can contact its maker's server to 
download updates to the list of adverts and to the software itself.

Variants are BargainBuddy/Apuc, original version whose BHO is stored in its 
own Program Files 'Bargain Buddy' folder. BargainBuddy/Versn, the BHO is a 
file inside the host application whilst the updater is still in 'Bargain 
Buddy'. BargainBuddy/adp uses the folder name 'adp' in Program Files. 
BargainBuddy/Apuc2 is the same as Apuc, but constantly tries to restart 
itself if you kill it.

I had Ad-Aware for a while, but wound up removing it because it failed to 
get rid of the most bothersome (read stubborn) spy and ad-share file 
programs such as Bargain Buddy. Far as I know, manually deleting the hidden 
file/folder is the only way to rid yourself of it. Beware of "free" 
programs. Check them out first via the various geek-chat sites you can 
locate thru Google.
Good luck
Bob in NY