.NET CLR 1.1.4322 in browser identity

Cleaning up spyware and stopping the adware browser hijack

[jaques]

I've just cleared Funwebproducts from my Registry manually deleting all occurrences. Sould I do the same for .NET CLR 1.1.4322 to get rid of it from my browser identity?

I've downloaded the utility 'Browser Extension Manager' - it's not very clear how it works - can I do it with this? And if so, how?

What's the best way to PREVENT this kind of hijacking in future?

Thanks!

[asquithea]

The simplest way to avoid browser hijacking is to use another browser. Internet Explorer is widely targeted for this kind of abuse, and doesn't have a good security record in any case. Why not try Mozilla Firebird (now Firefox), Opera or Mozilla Suite?

If you're feeling masochistic enough to stick with IE, you should customize the security settings (Tools > Options) to lock down your browser as much as possible. Do you really need those ActiveX controls?

Lastly (and you're not going to like this one), show a little self restraint. I've managed to use Windows and IE for years without getting a single infection from any kind of virus, spyware or malware (cookies excepted). I do it by not randomly downloading any crap that looks even fleetingly interesting, by reading the EULA on software, and by thinking before I click. Can you not do the same?

<edit>Oh, and don't worry about the change to your browser identity. It won't break the vast majority of sites.</edit>

[vkaryl]

...I've managed to use Windows and IE for years without getting a single infection from any kind of virus, spyware or malware...

I too.... but I've lately decided that AdAware and AdsGone are REALLY CHEAP INSURANCE.

As it happens, I've tried every other browser out there and I don't like ANY of them. So I'll stick with IE and add-ins like the above mentioned programs (THIS IS NOT AN AD - THIS IS SIMPLY WHAT HAS WORKED FOR ME.... sheesh....)