Help me with computer, spyware/virus makes me want to smash it!!

[jamal-188]

I run ad-ware, and spybot search and destroy. I never had a problem until recently. This virus/spyware changed my homepage to some crap ad about paying money to clean the spyware off my compter. I can't even access certain webpages now such as yahoo.com, it just re-directs me to the home page. I"ve run my spyware programs and nothing.

Anybody know how I can fix this? I can't check my yahoo mail or bid on anything on ebay. I can't take this computer crap anymore!!

[jenlovesty]

I would look into getting either norton or mcafee antivirus software. Install it and scan your computer for viruses.

[chiliaddik]

STAY AWAY FROM McAFEE! Get Norton!

[bdebelius]

Stay away from both an use AVG
free.grisoft.com

Then open up your file explorer and navigate to
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc

and edit you hosts file.

delete everything in it except for the comments at the top, they start with a # character and the following line

127.0.0.1 localhost

Next open up IE, goto 'Tools', 'Internet Options', under 'Home Page', click the 'Use Default' button, then OK. Close IE.

next, never use IE again. Download Firefox.
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

Now, run AdAware, then Spybot. Reboot. run AdAware and Spybot again, reboot.

Download Hijack This, install it and see if anything is being run that should not be.

http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html

brian-

[AquariaOCD]

A strong second for AVG. You might try microsoft antispyware (also free).

[chiliaddik]

I run AVG too....yeah...screw Norton, get AVG!

I didn't even think about that! LOL!

[AJP]

another vote for avg

[brentp]

Do what bdebelius said. Make sure your Spybot S&D is up to date before you run it though. Anti-virus programs in general don't help with this kind of problem.

[Farm_her78]

This is a GREAT SPYWARE CLEANER,


Cleans your computer right from your desktop with only one click
Solves up to 400% more problems in the registry
Now also defragments the registry of Windows 2000/XP
Allows you to customize the look of all windows under Windows XP
Allows you to customize your system to your needs
Frees your computer of speed and hard disk space hogs
Optimizes the performance of your PC
Accelerates your internet connection
Frees up system memory
Gives you advice about your hardware and software
Recovers accidentally deleted files

I have been using this since it came out this spring. This is a free trial for like 30 days. PC Mag recommends this cleaner over any spyware cleaner out.

I strongly suggest do not use Internet Explorer unless absolutley need to for your microsoft updates and such.

Use Firefox.

Tune-up Utilities

[scuba cam]

tune up utilities is a what I recommend also

[Dolfan0925]

I'm gonna have to recommend smashing it.

[beerguy]

You people crack me up.

[AJP]

Originally posted by beerguy
You people crack me up.

Why is that Doug, because we don't have Macs.


Oh and next time you try to help me with a computer problem, make sure and start at the begining as we learned last night.

[beerguy]

Sorry - I was taking the fact that you'd turned it on as a given. My bad.

[bob0110]

I would download the free microsoft anti spyware. It is the best thing available right now IMO. It may take a few scans and reboots to get everything completely removed, but it will do the job.

[AJP]

I have never had wireless, who knew there was an on switch for the wireless card.

[AJP]

Doug I just sent you a thank-you in your email.

[beerguy]

ROFL

[AJP]

Glad you liked it.

[jamal-188]

Originally posted by Dolfan0925
I'm gonna have to recommend smashing it.

I almost came to that point!!

I downloaded firefox and the AVP, I'll check out some of the other stuff you guys said about when I get home. I also did what bdebelius suggested.

I wish I could track down the people that write all this spy-ware and virus crap, I would sure love to give them a beating

[AJP]

I know this sounds funny also, but alot of times if you can find the name of the spyware you are having problems with, you can download an uninstaller from there website.

I was having an issue with aurora, I couldn't remove it no matter what I did. Finally I found there site, and used there uninstaller. Havent had an issue since.

[bdebelius]

Hey jamal,

post your hijack this results here so I can take a look.

[kbmdale]

You guys realize that microshaft's spyware tool is only free for about 90 more days.....At that time they will be screaming show me the money!

Run Spybot S&D and AD Aware(free version). Together they get everything.

[beerguy]

Originally posted by kbmdale
You guys realize that microshaft's spyware tool is only free for about 90 more days.....At that time they will be screaming show me the money!

Is it just me that sees the irony in that?

[AJP]

It wouldn't surprise me if they are putting out some of the spyware, that way there spyware tool can take it out. Makes em look good, and people will be more likely to buy it.