Okay, here's the deal. Whenever I click on a link from a search engine, my computer automatically "jumps" to another website (like mamma's search engine) that I didn't ask for. What's going on? How do I make it go back to normal? I've already tried clearing out all cookies on my computer. If you can help, THANKS!
2007-03-30 15:34:13 · 8 answers · asked by Sarai 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
Your computer has been what is commonly called "hijacked." This means that your computer has been infected with adware and/or spyware. These are malicious programs that can damage your computer. Ad companies oftentimes hire 3rd parties to distribute their ads. These 3rd party companies make money each time they redirect someone to the Ad companies' website. Unfortunately, they use adware to take over a user's computer to redirect them to their websites, thereby making more money. This explains why your computer keeps redirecting you to Mamma Search Engine. Now, you understand why people call this "hijacking." The solution is to use anti spyware program(s) to remove the malicious files. I recommend you use Lavasoft's Ad Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy. Both are free and very effective in removing adware. You can find both programs at:
1. Lavasoft's Ad Aware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php)
2. Spybot (http://www.safer-networking.org/)
For instructions on how to use them, go to
1. Ad Aware (http://www.download.com/How-to-use-Ad-Aware/1200-2023_4-5157520.html?tag=morehowto)
2. Spybot (http://www.download.com/1200-2023_4-5157526.html)
If you experience any more problem or have more questions, drop me an email.
2007-03-30 15:47:49 · answer #1 · answered by What the...?!? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are using the latest version of Internet Explorer you will find the search settings in the upper right hand corner under the red x to close the window. There is a magnifying glass and a small arrow to the right of it...click the arrow and click your search engine to make it the default again. If it is not listed chose the Change Search Defaults or the Find More Providers where you can choose your favorite as the default.
2007-03-30 15:59:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's either a virus or a spyware, Anti-virus does not detect spyware that are in charge of redirecting you to other pages and even send e-mail messages (if you use an e-mail client such as Outlook Express).
You need to make and update anti-spyware and anti-virus scan on your computer a.s.a.p.
;)
2007-03-30 15:43:33 · answer #3 · answered by Galadriel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've been hijacked!
Do a virus and spyware check.
Always keep your vir.defs up to date in case you get infected and can't connect to get an update, you'll already have it updated.
Ad-aware, spybot and MS defender for the spyware.
2007-03-30 15:49:29 · answer #4 · answered by mattnocal7 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let's see, I would get rid of any toolbar programs you have installed for your internet explorer/firefox. Then download spyware/adware remover because there is strong chance you have some.
2007-03-30 15:43:10 · answer #5 · answered by be1ieve1111 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the internet is redirecting you to other web sites, there could be spywares that were infecting your computer....
try to scan for spywares....
2007-03-30 15:41:43 · answer #6 · answered by jami... 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try this,,,
Right click on the internet toolbar.
then uncheck any search engines that might be listed there.
E
2007-03-30 15:41:40 · answer #7 · answered by Elaine B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you run a virus check recently?
2007-03-30 15:38:09 · answer #8 · answered by HellaGudAnswrer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋