The Register coincidentally ran a story on Internet security suites that fail to block exploits, so soon after they ran a story on the XP Antivirus 2008 scam. So, following up on my un-scientific tests…

The full registered version of Spyware Doctor failed to even detect SpyAxe — despite the fact they run Google ads specifically claiming to remove it.

I first ran Spyware Doctor in its default settings, without “Scan for rootkit hidden files” checked. It failed to detect SpyAxe. I then configured it to run a full scan at bootup and I rebooted the system. Again it failed to detect SpyAxe. I then checked the “rootkit” box and rebooted the system. Again it failed to detect SpyAxe during its full scan.

I then booted Windows XP into safe mode. Spyware Doctor again failed to detect SpyAxe during its full scan. Color me unimpressed.

But I’ll let them keep my $29.95 registration fee. Let’s hope they put it toward R&D.

It also surprised me how easily I removed SpyAxe by hand — and this makes me doubly unimpressed. Among other things, SpyAxe stops scamvertising if you tell Windows to “always hide” its system tray icon. Tsk tsk tsk. Then it collapsed when I launched a simultaneous killproc attack.

“Good grief, Rob! You just told the author of SpyAxe how to improve his scam.” Bah, no need to worry. Spyware Doctor will protect you…

A rumor says Spyware Doctor from PC Tools doesn’t remove the SpyAxe malware. I decided to throw $30 and a bit of my time at the rumor.

In this snapshot, we see SpyAxe in the lower right corner even as Spyware Doctor gives a green checkmark for finding no infections.

“Why would you infect your own laptop, Rob?” Well, I traditionally wipe my hard disk and start over each year. I might as well enjoy a little fun, eh?