an anti spyware site has taken over my toolbar-cannot get rid of it-any ideas?

Answer 1

download and run spybot. It is a free program that gets rid of spyware. Then I would download and run hijack this. Be careful with this program because you can remove something that you might need.

Look at every line. Usually when you see a line that starts with BHO you can get rid of it. (BHO = browser hijack object).

Answer 2

Follow some of the advice above and try add remove programs first.
If that doesn't work try system restore.


See my rogue link at the end of my post and do-NOT use any protection program that is not from the original manufacturer. And NEVER any that are on the rogue list as they are Malware themselves.

I use all of the following Free software with Windows XP SP2 and Internet Explorer with MSN toolbar and the pop-up blocker turned on and have never had a single problem with my computer sense Microsoft came out with SP2. (knock on wood.) (And be sure to keep Windows and the following software Updated)


The best Anti-virus is: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition. (www.grisoft.com)http://www.grisoft.com/doc/289/lng/us/tpl/tpl01

The Best Spyware defense is: SpyBot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html)<--English version

AND: AdAware SE (www.lavasoft.com)
AND Spyware Blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.info/kb/)
The best Firewall besides the one that comes with Windows is: Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/co... or just (www.zonelabs.com) and select the FREE version.

These are all FREE and are all that are required. There is no reason to pay for this kind of software, except to give a donation to the writers if you can.
ALL the above programs are recommended and should be run on a regular basis. With some the free versions they must be run manually.

The best way to avoid getting any Malware (virus, Trojan's, spyware, etc) is to practice safe computing. Microsoft and many others have countless articles on the subject of safe computing. (something I think should be taught in schools)

for further information on computer safety.
NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL -> http://www.ncpc.org/media/Internet_Safety.php

http://all.net/journal/50/cybercop.html
And here...
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/zombies_and_botnets.mspx

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

CNET these 10 programs comprise the best free security software
http://www.download.com/Best-free-security-and-spyware-software/1200-2023_4-5163183.html?tag=nl.e497

Answer 3

first off, do NOT take your computer to geek squad. They are one of the WORST pc repair firms out there. Too corporate, yet too small to make a difference. what that means is that they really don't care about you or your computer.. just your money..

Do a system restore on your own, since that is all they will do.

Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore.
Back it up a few weeks. You shouldn't lose any important documents or pictures or whatever. This just deals with software installs and windows settings.

Once you are rebooted, head on over to www.arovax.com and download both spyware solutions they have. This will clean it up after the restore, and protect you better in the future.


Best of luck

Answer 4

Which one is it???? Are you on XP??? You will probably have to go into programmes to remove the anti spyware. I use Spybot...so far no problems what so ever, it works but isn't so evasive it prevents you from running your everyday programmes. It can be downloaded free but they do ask for donations. If you have hotbar...get rid of it asap...more info please on you system and what spyware you have??? Also if it works with your or is part of your anti virus??

Answer 5

ad-ware SE, Spy bot S@D are free programs, that help, do deep scan on ad-ware, back up your files first
New internet explorer 7.3 beta has addon manager that helps, be carefull, improper removal will just make them disapear but the trojan you probly have will reside, anything from a B-page redirecter (opens another search) to malware, that cause permenant registry errors
permenate solutions is a security suite (virus/spy-adware/firewall) such as Nortons Internet Security will protect and disable any browser changes
also virus scanners with script blockers such a avast (excellent free scanner, I use Pro Avast 4.7) help
but simplest is the yahoo toolbar it has a excellent spysweeper
dont rely on just one as the only search for known fingerprints of the bad things so use several , update often, scan often!

Answer 6

Can you try doing a system restore to the time before the tool bar got taken over?

Answer 7

Go to Control Panel and bring up add/remove programs. See if the program is there and if it is remove it. If this does not work try looking in programs to see if there is an "uninstall" icon under the name.

Answer 8

Take your PC to the Geek Squad at Best Buy. They'll fix it.

Answer 9

you could also try typing msconfig in the run box . go to startup and de-select it if it's there.

also in the internet explorer window, click view/toolbars. then de-select.

Answer 10

I just recently had a similar problem and had to reconfigure my system settings.