2006-12-01 08:54:19 · 9 answers · asked by mhenretty@btinternet.com 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
Its probably not a virus, its probably spyware, but browser hijacks are esy to prevent and difficult to fix.
Get your system clean then use the following software to prevent the problem in future.
Before attempting to remove malware you must switch off System Restore as back up files will be hiding in there, and it will just restore itself. Go to Start - programs - accessories - system tools - system restore.
Run your anti virus and anti spyware in Safe Mode. To get into Safe Mode repeatedly press the F8 key after the bios screen loads but before Windows loads. You'll know if you made it because the screen will be at 800 x 600 and your pc will be slow.
Then beef up your security. Its easier to prevent malware getting on to your sytem in the first place rather than trying to remove it. All the following programs are free for personal use;
You need to install one firewall.
The Windows firewall doesn't stop malware on your pc from dialling out.
http://www.zonelabs.com Zone Alarm firewall OR
http://www.comodogroup.com/ - Comodo security suite.
You need to install one anti virus;
http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/ -AVG anti virus or
http://www.avast.com - Avast Antivirus
You need all three anti spyware programs;
http://www.ewido.net - AVG(Ewido) anti trojan.
http://www.lavasoft.com - Ad-Aware SE Personal anti adware
http://www.safer-networking.org - Spybot Search and Destroy anti spyware. Use the Teatimer settings to protect Internet Explorer, and the Immuniser to stop malware getting on your pc.
And these are useful utilities;
http://www.mozilla.com/ - Firefox web browser.
http://www.ccleaner.com Cr*pcleaner Registry cleaner and privacy tool
Winpatrol is a handy utility that tracks cookies on your pc and stops unwanted changes to your startup folder.
http://www.winpatrol.com
Spywareblaster works with Internet Explorer and Firefox. It won't uninstall spyware that is already on your pc, but it will prevent hijacks and other malicious changes to your browser.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com
http://www.siteadvisor.com -MacAffee Site Advisor warns about malware on sites you are about to visit.
http://spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm - The Spyware Warrior site identifies fake anti spyware programs.
https://www.grc.com - Shields Up security site, check your firewall works.
Remember to update and run all of you anti malware programs at least once a week.
2006-12-02 00:40:42 · answer #1 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
run a virus scan. I suggest using AVG to clean up the virus, then run Adaware to remove any spy ware that may be there, finally try Spybot. All 3 are free and should be available from the download page of the Computeractive magazine (www.computeractive.co.uk
2006-12-01 09:05:07 · answer #2 · answered by unsure 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Either fork out on a full Internet Security package, like Norton's or MacAfee, or you could download something like Ad-Aware from Lavasoft. It's free and gets rid of most adware/spyware (which is probably what is causing your problem).
2006-12-01 09:02:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have a virus. Get it out of there. also download ad-awarese from lavasoft and run it regularly to clean out unwanted cookies from your pc. The best free antivirus is AVG .,. get it from www.grisoft.com
2006-12-01 08:57:37 · answer #4 · answered by hharry_m_uk 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you running any antivirus software? If so, update it and run a scan. If not, get some. I like comodo, it is free forever.
2006-12-01 08:57:35 · answer #5 · answered by Computer Guy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
youve got a virus mate my husband had it is a page hijacker and he uses avgs to get rid of it
2006-12-01 08:56:09 · answer #6 · answered by julie t 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
youve been hijacked what is the name of the search page
2006-12-01 08:58:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm getting this problem too
2006-12-01 09:02:26 · answer #8 · answered by Nat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pop up blocker
2006-12-01 08:56:19 · answer #9 · answered by ciaragw 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋