I have a problem with a spyware program taking over my computer. It changes my homepage, and frequently redirects me to its site whenever I try to go somewhere else. How do I get rid of this? I've tried using Macaffee, but since it's not a virus, it doesn't help. Any suggestions?
Spyware problem
- Thread starter Mrs_Stiffler
- Start date
Try Webroot
http://www.webroot.com
Try Webroot. I have used a bunch of free stuff and this program has worked the best. You can download it and use it for one month for free. Then you have to subscribe. Should clear up the problem, it did with me regarding some pesky spyware that would not go away.Mrs_Stiffler said:
http://www.webroot.com
AVG free and Adaware, Google both of these, download them, keep them updated, scan regularly and enjoy free trouble-free surfing.
Even a non geek like me can make these work.
Even a non geek like me can make these work.
Two of the better programs are Ad-Aware (the personal edition is free) and Spybot (it's open source so it's free).
Ad-Aware - http://lwww.lavasoft.de
Spybot - http://www.safer-networking.org
To keep from getting infected again I'd recommend that you avoid using Internet Explorer, Outlook and MSN Messenger. Since they are the most popular programs for browsing, email and messaging they are under constant attack from spyware and virus authors. The fact that they're full of security holes doesn't help.
As an alternative I use Mozilla Firefox for browsing, Mozilla Thunderbird for email and Gaim for messaging.
Mozilla Firefox - http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/central.html
Mozilla Thunderbird - http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/
Gaim - http://gaim.sourceforge.net/
Ad-Aware - http://lwww.lavasoft.de
Spybot - http://www.safer-networking.org
To keep from getting infected again I'd recommend that you avoid using Internet Explorer, Outlook and MSN Messenger. Since they are the most popular programs for browsing, email and messaging they are under constant attack from spyware and virus authors. The fact that they're full of security holes doesn't help.
As an alternative I use Mozilla Firefox for browsing, Mozilla Thunderbird for email and Gaim for messaging.
Mozilla Firefox - http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/central.html
Mozilla Thunderbird - http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/
Gaim - http://gaim.sourceforge.net/
Excellent advise, I'd like to EMPHASIZE the above on downloading the free AVG software, I've been using is since it first came out, it like the most popular free virus software avail.., you also need a firewall. (zone alarm is common)..PLUS there's a great software system called 'regrun security suite' which manages and protects the vital area of Windows startup managers. This is the greatest took kit system going IMHO...when adware/spyware attemps to change your registries it nails it every time. With these three plus ad-Aware you are basically bullet proof from the commerical attacks. Example you can be trojan'd and the AVG won't pick it up until you run the program, whereas Regrun nails the changes as they occur, it runs every 10 min. It will take you a little effort to understand all the utilities, but it's time well spent.glaeken said:Two of the better programs are Ad-Aware (the personal edition is free) and Spybot (it's open source so it's free).
Ad-Aware - http://lwww.lavasoft.de
Spybot - http://www.safer-networking.org
To keep from getting infected again I'd recommend that you avoid using Internet Explorer, Outlook and MSN Messenger. Since they are the most popular programs for browsing, email and messaging they are under constant attack from spyware and virus authors. The fact that they're full of security holes doesn't help.
As an alternative I use Mozilla Firefox for browsing, Mozilla Thunderbird for email and Gaim for messaging.
Mozilla Firefox - http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/central.html
Mozilla Thunderbird - http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/
Gaim - http://gaim.sourceforge.net/
RegRun Security Suite by Greatis Software is avail here
http://www.greatis.com/security/
I'm not sure if they still offer the totally free lite version or not, but there is a free trial.
Y
yychobbyist
Hey Mrs. S. Check out this thread as I had my browser hijacked last week. I did what Microsoft suggested I do (I posted the their suggestions in the thread) and it worked just fine. I also abandoned IE and am now using Firefox. Good luck. PM if you have any questions.
https://terb.cc/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=75060&highlight=hijack+browser
https://terb.cc/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=75060&highlight=hijack+browser
Mrs_Stiffler said:
Micosoft has a new anti spyware program now, it I have had it for a while and it seems to work ok, I have used both Adaware & Spybot in the past.
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
They all have limitations
Ok, so the good news is that Microsoft's Anitspyware programs (BETA) really does work. Its the best thing since sliced bread in the computer industry. This is because Bill Gates and company can't be bought out by webmasters designing spyware.
The bad news is that it is Microsoft.
Spyware simply put is the reaction to a growing demand. Webmasters and companies (usually porn or gambling sites) want to generate dollars, by plying on our vices. You can't get spyware if you follow the basics.
1. Use a good antivirus program religously.
2. Never ever accept cookies randomly, it's like playing russian roulette.
3. If the web offer looks to good to be true it usually is. Spybot, Spyhunter, Spysweeper and all the other "freeware" verisons of this type have one fatal flaw - They attract spyware. Companies and webmasters pay the developers to "ignor" their spy software. Sad but true.
Load Microsoft, pay for it when it leaves BETA testing and be gratefull that some people can't be bought.
Ok, so the good news is that Microsoft's Anitspyware programs (BETA) really does work. Its the best thing since sliced bread in the computer industry. This is because Bill Gates and company can't be bought out by webmasters designing spyware.
The bad news is that it is Microsoft.
Spyware simply put is the reaction to a growing demand. Webmasters and companies (usually porn or gambling sites) want to generate dollars, by plying on our vices. You can't get spyware if you follow the basics.
1. Use a good antivirus program religously.
2. Never ever accept cookies randomly, it's like playing russian roulette.
3. If the web offer looks to good to be true it usually is. Spybot, Spyhunter, Spysweeper and all the other "freeware" verisons of this type have one fatal flaw - They attract spyware. Companies and webmasters pay the developers to "ignor" their spy software. Sad but true.
Load Microsoft, pay for it when it leaves BETA testing and be gratefull that some people can't be bought.
Don't give Microsoft too much credit.
After all, they created the holes that these programs slide in through. And once the beta is over they're going to start charging you to remove the programs that exploited the flaws in the product they created in the first place.
I can just see the advertising campaign now, "Give us money and we'll fix the stuff you've already given us money for."
A company that puts out a fundamentally flawed product shouldn't be rewarded for fixing it.
</rant>
After all, they created the holes that these programs slide in through. And once the beta is over they're going to start charging you to remove the programs that exploited the flaws in the product they created in the first place.
I can just see the advertising campaign now, "Give us money and we'll fix the stuff you've already given us money for."
A company that puts out a fundamentally flawed product shouldn't be rewarded for fixing it.
</rant>
J
jayz06
I have a problem in my IE page. An accessory tool bar from www.lop.com that I cannot seem to remove Any advice please?
This may help
jwm
Try CWShredder. Go to http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,23551,RSS,RSS,00.aspjayz06 said:I have a problem in my IE page. An accessory tool bar from www.lop.com that I cannot seem to remove Any advice please?
jwm
O/S Requirement for Microsoft S/W
If you want to use Microsoft's AntiSpyWare, you need to be running Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server™ 2003.
If you want to use Microsoft's AntiSpyWare, you need to be running Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server™ 2003.
I'm no tekkie but...
I have had good results by complementing Ad-Aware & Spybot with AVG by Grisoft.
Doing some of your surfing and activities with other browsers (Netscape, Firefox) is also a good idea as most invaders target MS specifically. Using an old, obsolete version of Expolrer & Windows is also effective - my sister's computer is basically unchanged from 1998 and it hasn't been hijacked the last 3 years with no protection whatsoever.
I have had good results by complementing Ad-Aware & Spybot with AVG by Grisoft.
Doing some of your surfing and activities with other browsers (Netscape, Firefox) is also a good idea as most invaders target MS specifically. Using an old, obsolete version of Expolrer & Windows is also effective - my sister's computer is basically unchanged from 1998 and it hasn't been hijacked the last 3 years with no protection whatsoever.
For all you Firefox users please read this:
http://internet.newsforge.com/article.pl?sid=05/01/31/2121249
I knew it was only a matter of time before it happened
http://internet.newsforge.com/article.pl?sid=05/01/31/2121249
I knew it was only a matter of time before it happened
Well, the best, tried and true method of cleaning your computer.....reformat
Seriously though, for everyone who has spyware/adware problems, I highly recommend that you check this out
http://wrestling.insidepulse.com/article.php?contentid=31894
Yes, it's a wrestling site, but if you scroll down the page there is a HUGE section about spyware/adware and how to combat it. It's fairly comprehensive, and recommends some great programs and sites that will help you in your never ending battle with the stuff
Seriously though, for everyone who has spyware/adware problems, I highly recommend that you check this out
http://wrestling.insidepulse.com/article.php?contentid=31894
Yes, it's a wrestling site, but if you scroll down the page there is a HUGE section about spyware/adware and how to combat it. It's fairly comprehensive, and recommends some great programs and sites that will help you in your never ending battle with the stuff
Firefox, no worries
I also read that article on slashdot.org a few days ago, It is just pro-MS propaghada in my opinion. Firefox is by far the best browser and should have a much larger install base then IE, but at this time we only have a 9% (very generous number) of install base. So if you were a hacker or scriptkiddie, would you write a worm, virus or spyware for only at most 9%, or use your bandwidth for the vast majoirty 90+% of the users. I say go firefox and dont look back www.getfirefox.com , I also use thunderbird, their email clients, and love it, no more mass mailer worms or spam in my in box!!!
I also read that article on slashdot.org a few days ago, It is just pro-MS propaghada in my opinion. Firefox is by far the best browser and should have a much larger install base then IE, but at this time we only have a 9% (very generous number) of install base. So if you were a hacker or scriptkiddie, would you write a worm, virus or spyware for only at most 9%, or use your bandwidth for the vast majoirty 90+% of the users. I say go firefox and dont look back www.getfirefox.com , I also use thunderbird, their email clients, and love it, no more mass mailer worms or spam in my in box!!!
