computer problem can you tell me how to fix them before hulk smash

[ramora]

I can't figure out how to fix this problem with unwanted anti spyware/maleware/anti virus/ advertisements. This is of course really really starting to tick me off. An example of this is I will type in something like Drs fosters smith.com and the computer will redirect me to something like ebay or something like that. Sorry if I am a little off topic but I am this close to taking hammer to the stupid computer and fixing the problem myself. Any suggestions on how to fix these problems ie effective software to delete these cyber interloping program so they don't come come back ever on windows xp. please help,any suggestions please email me at fishguy@yahoo.com.

[slakker]

Personally, I would rebuilt the system from scratch... I've never found any use of anti-anything software, slows the machine down too much. After it's rebuilt, DON'T use IE, use something like Firefox or Flock. They're not perfect, but limits the stuff that leaches onto your system...

[Varga]

Firefox is a microsoft product now

spyDoctor works great for me

Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus Starter Edition - Reviews and free Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus Starter Edition downloads at Download.com

[AQTCJAK]

AVG Anti-Virus and Internet Security - Home Security

This is a good software to use with out the overhead or issues caused by Norton or Mcafee

[reefer4200]

if this just started happening recently you can go back and do a system restore even up to the date computer was built and it will basically delete everything that was created onto computer after the date you select

Kinda like starting from scratch and usually cures most problems

System Restore in the accesories folder and then in system tools

if you have xp or later version that is

[KimPossible]

Ad Ware from Lava Soft is Freeware and an excellent product. Google it, it has excellent reviews.
It is built specifically to combat Adware/Spyware.

[althea2you]

i wouldnt leave you email up like that... thats just going to invite some serious problems added to what you have... if someone wants to email you, they can PM you.. or just post the link here... or fix the link so it read.. like... jimbob AT yahoo DOT com LOL.. just a demo!!!

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by slakker

I've never found any use of anti-anything software, slows the machine down too much.

Bad advice. I rarely ever "call anyone out" but that's very poor advice. Every PC should be protected from top to bottom before going on the NET for any time. I have a slight background in this one field and have documented a freshly built PC unprotected is infected in less than 6 minutes. Within 20 minutes of getting online from an unprotected (this includes Critical Updates) the system is compromised to the point of being a "Spyware Spewing Zombie".


ramora do go back and change/edit your email to a Human Readable ONLY format such as allenATyah00DOTcom.... otherwise it will be harvested (already is in process I'm sure) by Spambots!!

I'll shoot you over a PM in a few moments and TRY to help you out.

good luck!!

Allen

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by KimPossible

Ad Ware from Lava Soft is Freeware and an excellent product. Google it, it has excellent reviews.
It is built specifically to combat Adware/Spyware.

Kim that's AdAware... big difference there *S* Ad-Aware @ Lavasoft - The Original Anti-Spyware Company - Lavasoft

Adware is a ROUGE program that only infects your system.. AdAware is ANTI-Spyware *S*

I've switched over to the FREE version of anti-virus and anti-spyware from AVG.

try going to free.grisoft.com and download each one. Update and run them. Take note that since your machine is already compromised you don't want to do ANYTHING that's sensitive (online banking, shopping etc) form that PC until it's totally clean. I'd suggest going to another computer (friend, family, school, work) and change your passwords YESTERDAY!

For some serious self-help go to That Computer Guy - Central Wisconsin Computer Repair, Computer Repair Stevens Point, Friendly Computer Help Online and register there. Then go to That Computer Guy's Help Forum -> Virus and Spyware/Adware/Malware Issues (Post HIJACK THIS logs here) and follow the instructions there. That's an AMAZING site and they will help you help yourself. The great part is that you'll learn about the infection and be better educated in the end.

good luck!!

PS This is what I was going to email you....

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by reefer4200

if this just started happening recently you can go back and do a system restore even up to the date computer was built and it will basically delete everything that was created onto computer after the date you select

Kinda like starting from scratch and usually cures most problems

System Restore in the accesories folder and then in system tools

if you have xp or later version that is

If it's a "Deep" infection (most newer ones are indeed DEEP attack infections) that wont work either. Sorry but these new nasties ALSO infect the "protected" System Restore area just for that reason. The irony is once that's infected we can't disinfect it even with the BEST of tools. The only way around this is to disable System Restore, reboot the computer (flushes the System Restore files) and then CLEAN the system. Once it's confirmed clean THEN you go back and enable System Restore.

[CATALYST]

Originally Posted by BigAl07

Kim that's AdAware... big difference there *S* Ad-Aware @ Lavasoft - The Original Anti-Spyware Company - Lavasoft

Adware is a ROUGE program that only infects your system.. AdAware is ANTI-Spyware *S*

I've switched over to the FREE version of anti-virus and anti-spyware from AVG.

try going to free.grisoft.com and download each one. Update and run them. Take note that since your machine is already compromised you don't want to do ANYTHING that's sensitive (online banking, shopping etc) form that PC until it's totally clean. I'd suggest going to another computer (friend, family, school, work) and change your passwords YESTERDAY!

For some serious self-help go to That Computer Guy - Central Wisconsin Computer Repair, Computer Repair Stevens Point, Friendly Computer Help Online and register there. Then go to That Computer Guy's Help Forum -> Virus and Spyware/Adware/Malware Issues (Post HIJACK THIS logs here) and follow the instructions there. That's an AMAZING site and they will help you help yourself. The great part is that you'll learn about the infection and be better educated in the end.

good luck!!

PS This is what I was going to email you....

This spy software is good. You can use multiple spyware apps on your computer but not normally multiple virus softwares. Some of the different spy softwares find things that the other doesn't. I use firefox for the browser and not explorer. In firefox they have 'add-ins'. There is one called NO SCRIPT. It keeps scripts from automatically loading when you visit a page. Then you can't have anything automatically installed on your computer. If you're visiting a page that you trust, you can have it allow scripts permanently or if you're visiting a new page you can have them allowed temporarily. It's annoying when you first install it but after you visit the same pages over and over its not so bad. There is another add-in called adblock. It keeps the advertisements from showing up on pages. You'll want to disable it on certain pages, like on RS, so you can support the site sponsors.
If you don't have a hardware firewall like a router, you should get one. Software can be hacked through so having a hardware firewall as well as software can really help.

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by Varga

Firefox is a microsoft product now

Huh? When did this happen? Where? What makes you say that?

[KimPossible]

Yup, sorry it is AdAware. The link is good though. I run this on all 15 of my office computers as a back up to the AVG Internet Security. I can't back away from AdAware because it does not protect against ad or spy ware getting into your computer, it locates it if anything gets past the real time AVG security.

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by KimPossible

Yup, sorry it is AdAware. The link is good though. I run this on all 15 of my office computers as a back up to the AVG Internet Security. I can't back away from AdAware because it does not protect against ad or spy ware getting into your computer, it locates it if anything gets past the real time AVG security.

Exactly! It's passive... it's there for "After the Fact".

[slakker]

Originally Posted by BigAl07

Bad advice. I rarely ever "call anyone out" but that's very poor advice...

That may be the case for some if not for most, but I've ran machines with and without. I find the time it takes me to rebuilt a machine is easily offset by how slow my machine runs with "protection". I rebuild about once every 2 years, and sometimes I upgrade my PC before I even have to rebuild.

But whatever works for ya...