Author Topic: hijacked browser (Read 725 times)

electrondady1 · « **on:** January 06, 2007, 10:05:41 PM »

i've tried a few adwere spyware progams but nothing seems to help long term.

of course the conputor store says they can help if i bring it in.

and i can buy programs that claim to clean it up maybe

if i change browsers to say, modzilla will that help

do i need to get rid of this bug first?

kurt · « **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2007, 03:57:24 PM »

go here http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ run this online scan do what it tells you. you mite have to download the latest java to get it to work you can get java here http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp

that should help you get rid of what you got. after you get cleen to keep cleen get windows defender from microsoft it is free http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

if you want to reduce the amount of spyware you get download install and use mozilla firefox for a browser that will help alot.

ghurd · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2007, 04:19:47 PM »

"to help long term"

Ours are setup to check for updates twice a day.

G-

electrondady1 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2007, 04:44:51 PM »

thanks for your quick responce .

this stuff started just after christmass

my cable service tech support recommended trend micro to get rid of this "greyware.

i got the housecall check but they want 46.oo cdn. dollars to clean it up.

i run lava soft anti spy ware it works very good .

i down loaded windows defender but it didn't even find what lavasoft got.

i am also runing norton anti virus anti spy on a continuous basis but it never finds any spyware.

i also have a regestry repair progam from 3b software i got from tou cows. it worked great to clean up for a bout a week now the redirect proplem is back.

ill spend the money for trend micro and then try a new browser.

man i hate this geek factor stuff.

thanks

vawtman · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2007, 05:37:43 PM »

Edaddy this is from a guy in the same shape has you.

I think some of these free protectors/blockers or whatever are bad boys.

I tried the Mozzila thing to join the IRC thingamabob and things were real jerky and backed out before i found where i was supposed to go.

I pay for protection from the cable company and that doesnt work most of the time.They admit it.

This is a joke being played on us simple computer dips i think.

Download free potection and pay us later at some point.

An opinion from an ungeekable.

stephent · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2007, 06:04:53 PM »

First of all, there's a difference between some redirecting adware trojan and a virus, sometimes not a lot but still.

Use the "Adaware" free version of just about any adware software, most are good. Use a firewall too. ZoneAlarm has a good free one.

Use AVG free version for anti-virus protection. All three of these work well together, but that can't be said for many others--they just don't play well together sometimes. Norton is one of the worst, and McAfee too.

More of the problems occuring with having a "redirect" installed come from browsing habits (don't "Bop Bonzo") or email opening habits (don't allow it to open outside links or pics) ...and I.E., usually, installed with default settings of "install on demand" and a couple of others set for "on". (like having strange icons pop up on your desktop sometimes?)

There are folks out there that will take advantage of you on the internet---as if ya didn't know that.

Using Mozilla or Firefox browser will help some. Using an different email client wouldn't hurt either--use Thunderbird (or mozilla email).

Even better yet--switch to using one of the Linux distro's and forget using Windows as much as ya can. It is very possible to dual boot with Linux and Windoze both installed on the hard drive.

The "House Call" online service should be free and is fairly good.

Forget buying or paying for a service, the free versions work as well and are updated as frequently.

And here's probably one of the best places to get help with various problems you could find...and it's mostly free stuff...and good advice.

http://www.tomcoyote.org/hjt/

Read a lot there, use the software--it's good stuff. And if they can't help ya get the problem fixed---there might not be any hope at all. Very knowledgable folks hang out there. There is only one (that I am aware of) trojan redirecting $%%$ thing that embeds itself into the very networking of windows that can't be removed without a complete reinstall....the other stuff can be scrubbed out.

Virus's are another matter, however.

Norm · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2007, 08:45:27 PM »

Get a used computer install a good firewall

like Zone Alarm use it on the internet set it for

the strictest security....don't let free programs

tempt you.....You just can't get something for nothing !

They're just waiting for you to take the bait !

Disconnect your old computer from the internet..try and get all the bugs out of it...

and never use it on the internet again !

I was plagued with this junk on my old computer

once I got it off the internet the problems ceased.

Good Luck !

( :>) Norm.

I had a good program once ...good old scotty...

at one time my browser used to get hijacked and

'Scotty' would say your browser has been replaced

...do you want to keep your old browser? Y/N ?

It was a pain but still more convenient than resetting my browser all the time...

kurt · « **Reply #7 on:** January 06, 2007, 08:45:56 PM »

housecall was free last time i used it and works for viruses and spyware. it is a good removal tool. unless you are on dialup then it could take 4-5 hours

jimjjnn · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2007, 10:31:57 PM »

I prefer "Spybot Search and Destroy".

It's a "free" download. If you want to donate, you can but it isn't a requirement to download. I update it once every week as there are new additions to it's files. I have been using it for over 7 years and like it very well. I didn't realize how much junk goes into your computer till I started using it. I was given 2 more computers and am using Spybot on one of them without any anti-virus program. Curious as to how long it takes to go down. Don't recommend doing that with your only PC as you may have problems right away.Ad-Aware is another great download and from what I have heard is almost as good as Spybot.

ghurd · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2007, 11:54:12 PM »

I really like the "E Z" package. Firewall, antivirus, antispam, etc.

It is included, free, with our internet.

Takes a bit to get to get it set up and the user to get used to the concept, but after that it takes care of itself.

G-

stop4stuff · « **Reply #10 on:** January 07, 2007, 02:30:33 AM »

I use the FREE AdAware, AVG & Zone Alarm combo and have been for as long as i can remember. AVG does a full scan everyday & so far in 9 years online I've not had a problem with any form of malware.

Have you got AVG electrondady1?

jmk · « **Reply #11 on:** January 07, 2007, 05:49:42 AM »

When I first got a computer in 2004 I bought Norton anti virus. It was the first pop up that I got and it said that I needed to purchase it to guard my computer. Not ever being on a computer I bought the 2004 version. I did work great for about eight months. Then it quit responding. I tried to delete it and couldn't. Symantec says I need to down load a tool for removal, but I could only find the 2003 removal tool. That didn't work! Now I keep getting pop ups saying my Norton is turned off. I also get pop ups saying the anti virus protection I down loaded to replace Norton with will not work properly with Norton installed. It slows the computer way down with loading all these pop ups and trying to run them. Norton is supposed to be one of the best, but form me it was the worst virus I ever got!

crashk6 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 07, 2007, 11:54:56 AM »

Linux, problem solved!! LOL Seriously, I know some folks need windows for various reasons, work, specialized software, etc.. but taking it on the net is just asking for headaches. Browse the web with a Linux machine and and I bet you'll soon become accustom to the clean "it just runs" experience.

As for cleaning of an already buggered windows machine, trendmicro's house call is an excellent suggestion, use it in conjunction with AVG installed locally. And for the spyware grab and run webroot's demo version of spysweeper. Run it three time in succession, then uninstall or disable until needed again.

You'll be right as rain.

--

crashK6

veewee77 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 07, 2007, 12:32:18 PM »

All you need are free rograms:

Spybot Search & Destroy

Google Spybot and look for the third link (or close) "Home of SpyBot Search & Destroy"

Adaware (not Ad-Ware or Ad-Ware)

This will be a great one.

And the free version of AVG antivirus.

free.grisoft.com.

Doug

veewee77 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 07, 2007, 12:34:12 PM »

Or,

To solve it completely and never worry about it again:

Run Linux!

Doug

vawtman · « **Reply #15 on:** January 07, 2007, 05:45:43 PM »

Stephent i wonder would you be able to help with my problem.

The system runs fine and all of a sudden the modem will drop out and the little house on the bottom of the screen will yell out "limited or no connectivity".Could this be the cable co.or modem failing or a virrus causing this.Im supposed to have protection with the service.

Thanks much if you could help.Or anyone

ElSenator · « **Reply #16 on:** January 08, 2007, 01:21:20 AM »

I agree.. These are what I use, and have been virus/trojan/spyware free for over 2 years. Or I use Linux.

electrondady1 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 08, 2007, 08:38:36 AM »

i went back to trend micro and let them do an other scan.

they found 1 trogan and 14 cookies no one else could find.

when i tried it before it simply listed the malware and recomended i buy there product.

this time i got a page with a clean up option.

also, during the scan there was an explanation as to how these critters get on your computor.how they disgise themselves and how they can then import there pals .

if you are ever surfing for video and come across a picture that looks like a screen and says "windos can't play this you need a different codex", get the heck out of there in a hurry! It's them!

it's unfortunate i did not.

well , after the scan and clean up i still have the redirect problem.

here's what i think i will do.

first i'll burn a disk(s) of all the stuff i have in my documents files probably a good idea anyway)

i think i should make a list of all the programs i have downloaded ,

(the helpful stuff)

i have never tried this, but perhaps i could burn copies of these programs( i'm not shure if they will reintall)

then if i insert my xp disk it will wipe out all the old computor and start fresh.

my computor will be "born again".

is there some command i should use to wipe out the old system ? or will it be deleated when i insert the operating disk?

lohearth · « **Reply #18 on:** January 08, 2007, 09:28:16 AM »

Try google for a prog called "hijackthis". Brother inlaw had some problems with AWG so I installed Antivir, free anti-virus. Seems to work pretty good. Live not far from you so if I can free up some time I'll check it out for you Have tues. and wens. off(work at the casino). Email me at kissingking at hotmail dot com and I'll give you my number'

Lohearth

electrondady1 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 08, 2007, 11:44:41 AM »

thanks for the offer lohearth , i may take you up on it soon.

it would be cool to meet a fellow enthusiest, but this week is impossible as i have just landed a rush project and can't take any time off.

wooferhound · « **Reply #20 on:** January 08, 2007, 04:34:27 PM »

To start a computer as new

get to a command line prompt and type

format c: /u

and hit enter

This will format your hard drive /unconditionally

which erases EVERYTHING !!

Then reinstall Windows/Linux

and don't forget to install Firefox Browser and delete the Icon for Internet Explorer

BrianK · « **Reply #21 on:** January 08, 2007, 05:06:50 PM »

wow i just got done scanning my puter with the house call. It found things that the ever updating mcfee wont even find. My puter is running a lot faster almost like it is new i love it

.

gizmo · « **Reply #22 on:** January 09, 2007, 09:16:07 PM »

Yeah Linux is great, unless you actually want to do something usefull.

Sorry for all the Linux lovers out there, but I've used both Linux and Windows for over 12 years, all versions. I do like some of the gnome gui stuff, but once you get a Linux box up with a gui and a few usable applications, its just as slow and buggy as a windows machine. And if you read all the security releases, lately Firefox and its sub applications have just as many security problems as IE.

As a software developer, the windows / vb platform is the fastest to write code in, and in business the time taken to write a application is very important. So I use windows for just about everything these days, though I do tinker with the latest releases of Linux. I do use Linux for our firewall, its perfect for that.

Linux has a place, but its trying to play ball with the home PC market, where I think it should stick with networking and some server applications.

Glenn

gizmo · « **Reply #23 on:** January 09, 2007, 09:21:44 PM »

The official security issues with Firefox...

http://www.mozilla.org/projects/security/known-vulnerabilities.html

Glenn

electrondady1 · « **Reply #24 on:** January 11, 2007, 06:17:30 AM »

i wonder if there is a way to record /save my favorite list?

lohearth · « **Reply #25 on:** January 11, 2007, 08:47:37 AM »

Simply export your favorite list and copy/transfer to another comuter. You could also email the file as an attachment and have it mailed back when your ready to import it again.

Lohearth

TomW · « **Reply #26 on:** January 11, 2007, 09:51:35 AM »

Another option would be to upload it to your files area here. Of course then it will be public so consider that if you do.

More than one way to defur a cat as they say ...

Cheers.

TomW

electrondady1 · « **Reply #27 on:** January 11, 2007, 11:17:28 AM »

ok, i guess i chickened out on killing my computor.

what a lot of work it is to burn a copy of every thing in my documents.

the one thing that was most important was a multitrack recording program i've been composing on for about a year i couldn't figure out a way to keep the tracks seperate. it would force me to do a mixdown and there are a lot of tunes on there i am not ready to mix yet.

i took the advice of what seemed like the majority and got mozilla.

i was able to simply import the favorite list, home page and other stuff . it's now called bookmarked .

i am concerned that this downloader redirect program bug is still on my comp. and could give me further trouble.

what should i do with windows explorer ? deleat/ uninstall it ?

i want to thank every one for there advice on this .

shawn

sh123469 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 14, 2007, 08:57:27 AM »

I have to agree with what everyone else has said around here about your situation.

AVG antivirus works great. You need some sort of a firewall(not Microsoft's...it only sorta works). Spyware scanning software is also a must to get rid of something like that.

Lavasoft adaware(not products with sound alike names 'ad-aware, ad aware, ad ware adware' and the like) and spybot search and destroy are both great programs and I have found that sometimes one finds something that the other doesn't so I usually run a scan with both.

I have been using these programs for years and have had very, very little problem with any kind of virus or hijacker.

You might have a simple redirected host as part of your hijacker. Check the hosts file.

Glad to see that you are using Mozilla. It will solve many of your problems with hijackers, popups and other malware getting into your system.

Housecall is a great tool to remove all sorts of junk like you have. If it finds anything be sure to fix the problems.

If you still have the trojan on your system and know the name of it, do a search on google. You will probably find manual removal instructions somewhere out there as well which will detail all of the changes that it made to your system and how to fix them if the automated tools don't.

Linux will make you almost impervious to all of that junk but at a price. You will be using a different OS than the most common and will have to look for programs that do what your common programs in windows do. Some software won't be available in a Linux version. But, you will have a system that works without a hitch.

I regularly use Linux for browsing and internet access and have had much fewer issues of any kind with it....It just works.

Steve

TomW · « **Reply #29 on:** January 14, 2007, 10:28:17 AM »

Folks;

Been online from the beginning. Using Macs and I click on anything and everything.

Never once got ANY infections.

I find that to be just so curious. I guarantee you will be safe running a good OS rather than what all the other sheep use.

Just had to toss that out.

Your mileage may vary.

Cheers.

TomW

gordon01639 · « **Reply #30 on:** January 19, 2007, 01:39:03 PM »

Grisoft also do a free spyware program now it seems to do the job.

Download it at http://www.grisoft.com.

It works in real time so if something tries to invade your computer it will tell you and stop it.

Zone alarm can be a real pain sometimes. Did use it dont any more.

Gordon.

Wales in the UK.

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Author Topic: hijacked browser (Read 725 times)