When I search for something I'll get normal results, but when I click the link to go to that site that I'm searching, it redirects me to another site. Sometimes porn is on it, and other times there is some random page. I have looked on download.com, but I can't find anything that is free that will help me out. If I missed something to download, or you have any help for me....please help. This problem is very annoying.
2006-12-29 17:59:56 · 4 answers · asked by Step1984 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
Definitely malware. Browser hijackers are common and almost always bring friends like trojans and other nasty invaders. It's no big deal (usually). Just follow these steps to evict your unwelcome guests:
1st-Make sure to get all Windows updates DLed and installed.
2nd-Go to BitDefender.com for a free virus scan and cleaning. TrendMicro now charges to clean.
3rd-Download, install, and update Ad-Aware (free). Do a full system scan and delete the crap it finds. Do this weekly.
4th-Download, install, and update SpyBot Search & Destroy (free). Do a full system scan and delete the crap it finds. Do this weekly
5th-download, install and update AVG Anti-spyware.(Both free and paid versions available).Do a full system scan and delete the crap it finds. Do this weekly.
If you dont have a firewall, GET ONE. ZoneAlarm has a free version.
If you dont have an anti-virus, GET ONE. Both AVG and Avast have a free version but I recommend Nod32. It's the best available and it's not very expensive (about $40 US.) Install, update and do a full system scan at least weekly.
We all hate the 'weekly' stuff but it's necessary in today's net environment. "Get it clean and keep it clean!" should be your motto.
If this doesn't fix the problem, download HiJack This. Go to techsupportforum.com (there are others but this a good, free site) for instructions. DO NOT use HiJack This unless you are extremely knowledgeable about Windows and it's processes. You can seriously Bork your system. Let the pro's direct you.
For a safer, more secure, easier to use not mention faster browser, try Mozilla FireFox. For an e-mail client try Mozilla Thunderbird. Both are free.
2006-12-29 18:27:16 · answer #1 · answered by BoNe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looks like your computer has a spyware /trojan. The Norton anti-spy which is free with the yahoo tool bar is effective and cleans up the system. The spyware are the reason for your landing in a webpage you dont intend to. Some of the spywares 'hijack' your default blank screen or website. If you are using a licensed version of XP the defender can help you to restore the search page. Be sure to scan your system using Yahoo Norton anti-spyware. There are many good software on download.com but the problem is they scan well and tell you what is bugging you but ask you to buy their full version if you want to clean, For now stick with Norton free anti-spy at Yahoo tool bar. Good luck
2006-12-29 18:05:19 · answer #2 · answered by goodcitizenz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your PC is infected with a browser hijacker. U se these scans to remove it.
Spybot - Search & Destroy detects and removes spyware, a relatively new kind of threat not yet covered by common anti-virus applications. Spyware silently tracks your surfing behaviour to create a marketing profile for you that is transmitted without your knowledge to the compilers and sold to advertising companies. If you see new toolbars in your Internet Explorer that you haven't intentionally installed, if your browser crashes inexplicably, or if your home page has been "hijacked" (or changed without your knowledge), your computer is most probably infected with spyware. Even if you don't see the symptoms, your computer may be infected, because more and more spyware is emerging. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm giving it a try to see if something has invaded your computer.
http://www.safer-networking.org/
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.
2006-12-29 18:04:11 · answer #3 · answered by G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have Windows XP SP2 you can download Windows Defender from Microsoft.com and that should find the spyware/malware that is causing the problem.
2006-12-29 18:03:00 · answer #4 · answered by Cube13 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋