Spyware?

Something is going on here.. grrrr

[tml89]

Can someone please answer this question.

When I load a new browser window it comes up as a search page, probably owned by an affiliate. When I go to internet options and change it back to my default, every time I open a new window its still there. I cant get it out. And when I try and launch my spyware remover it wont open. Anyone have any ideas as to whats going on here? And how I can get this crap off my computer?

Thanks

[hfwd]

Sounds like spyware (aka scumware, etc). There are several softwares you can try - search google for it and you'll see several softwares (some free, like adaware) that can help you.

Some spyware are sophisticated enough to block these spyware-removal softwares from loading - you may have to look for the newest version.

Even then, once you're infected, there's a *slight* 0chance that you have to do a complete hd format to be back to 100%.

[tml89]

Looks like it is blocking my spyware program from loading. Hmmm

[SEOMike]

Sounds like a registry entry to me. Try Googling the search page that comes up. This happened to me once and it was a total pain to get rid of. Answers came from other people posting the same question around the net.

[coopster]

If it is Windows you are running, reboot to safe mode (keep pressing F8 during reboot until the menu appears and select the option to start in safe mode). Then run your ad-cleanup software. Once this is all done, you'll want to make sure you have your latest virus definition file up to date and run an antivirus system scan to clean up any known trojan programs. Running a personal firewall should also help tremendously as you can allow/disallow programs to access your network connections. You'll be able to see what is trying to get out and stop it in its tracks.

No doubt, this is a huge pain. It's unfortunate we have to deal with issues such as this.

[adni18]

Indeed, it is. Lately, I have gotten spyware that is disguised as windows update sessions, and when I go to shut down, there are two options:

Click here to shut down your computer without installing updates

Click here to install updates first

It looked convincing, but it was spyware and was removed after I ran spyBot.

[SuperLite17]

If all else fails, do a search on Google for "load points +viruses".

Spyware often uses the same loading points. It is rare that you would ever need to re-format your drive.

[hfwd]

For windows, try checking your registry (using the command prompt msconfig). A good list of things that load up on startup is here:

[sysinfo.org...]

[instinct]

In some cases a virus or other malware that is preventing your adware or antivirus from running just needs to be removed from memory via task manager "end process".

I highly suggest that you know what each and every process that shows in task manager does and why it is there. Just google the process name.

When you find something that shouldn't be there, you can end the process manually, then load up your adware or antivirus to get rid of it permanently.

[MrSchmidt]

go here:
[mvps.org...]

I had to download and execute the UnlockHomePage.reg and RepairTabs.reg, you'll find these in the "Various Registry Fixes" section on the
page.

Good Luck
ED