I've used SPYBOT to check for spyware, cleared out all the junk files/cookies, downloaded a virus scanner but nothing was found. The pop up windows aren't the usual ones. They are grey boxes that pop up and say they are from a "Messenger Service" and have ads for Viagra, porn, vitamins, etc.......... Does anyone know whats wrong with her computer? Any help would be great!
2006-12-26 08:52:27 · 11 answers · asked by SR A 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Go to
http://update.microsoft.com
And run all the critical updates. It may take several turns to get them all.
2006-12-26 08:55:17 · answer #1 · answered by Sir J 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you may have an older version of Windows (pre XP SP2). These type of popups often exploit the Messenger Service in your Windows OS, which after XP SP2 is disabled by default.
A popup blocker "thingy" will be of no help in this case.
You have 2 choices to end the problem.
1. You can disable and stop Messenger Service by running services msc. on your computer.
2. You can use the free utility called Shoot The Messenger to automatically disable this unnecessary service.
http://www.grc.com/stm/shootthemessenger.htm
Please note that Windows Messenger Service is not the same as any Instant Messenger program that you may have on your computer. Disabling it will not cause you to lose any IM functionality that you may have.
Good luck
2006-12-26 08:54:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the operating system installed is Windows XP SP2, you can enable the pop up blocker for windows,
go to Internet explorer>tools>Pop Up Blocker> Turn On Pop Blocker.
If you have an antivirus security system on the computer, turn on pop up blocker on that as well.
2006-12-26 08:57:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anushka 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest that you try to carryout system restore to a day previous to the day when there was no virus or any problems. It may be a few weeks or months back. You have to decide the date. Detailed instructions are posted at http://fixit.in/systemrestore.html
The problem is likely to be solved. Then,You insatll a standard antivirus soft ware such as Norton, AVG , Avast ( free antivirus software and Ad-aware, Ewido ( free spyware removers). You can download free softwares at
http://fixit.in/antivirus.html and http://fixit.in/spywareremover.html
2006-12-28 01:25:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try using this, its free.
http://superantispyware.com/
SUPERAntiSpyware is the most thorough scanner on the market. Our Multi-Dimensional Scanning and Process Interrogation Technology will detect spyware that other products miss! SUPERAntiSpyware will remove ALL the Spyware, NOT just the easy ones!
Easily remove over 100,000 pests such as SmitFraud, Vundo, WinFixer, SpyAxe, SpyFalcon, WinAntiVirus, AntiVermins and thousands more!
Make sure after you download any of these, that you update them.
2006-12-26 08:55:29 · answer #5 · answered by G 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do what adnan said if you have windows xp install sp2. I had the same prob last month. and after the sp2 updates it stopped. Dont click on "ok" when it pops up. i ran spywareand it couldnt delete it. i ran antivirus scan. it didnt pick it up only service pack 2 did it.
2006-12-26 08:58:08 · answer #6 · answered by aligrespeq 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Is Mom using Yahoo Mail? Tell her to click the Pop-up Blocker button on the Yahoo toolbar and be sure it is marked "enable."
2006-12-26 08:55:19 · answer #7 · answered by TheHumbleOne 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try using windows defender, download it from microsoft.com its free, if it fails go pcworld.com, they have free software and some it gets rid of unusual spyware. Stay away from bad sites, you don't get invasive spyware from most cookery sites!
2006-12-26 09:04:57 · answer #8 · answered by graham 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go to Microsoft site and down load security pack 2 and install it .
it will take care of that.
2006-12-26 08:56:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to disable Messenger Service. Go to this site & download it ASAP! (I'ts free.) For heaven's sake, get SP2!
2006-12-26 08:56:27 · answer #10 · answered by J S 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋