What Is Wrong With My Computer?

[probyn]

I was using free anti-virus software from Microsoft (Microsoft Security Essentials), and I discovered that the software eventually stated that it was out of date. I noticed that often when I typed a web address in my browser the computer was directed to the wrong web address. It would take a number of tries before I was directed to the correct web address. I purchased new anti-virus software(Norton) but the problem persists. Do I have a computer virus? How do I correct the problem?

 

[larry]

I was using free anti-virus software from Microsoft (Microsoft Security Essentials), and I discovered that the software eventually stated that it was out of date. I noticed that often when I typed a web address in my browser the computer was directed to the wrong web address. It would take a number of tries before I was directed to the correct web address. I purchased new anti-virus software(Norton) but the problem persists. Do I have a computer virus? How do I correct the problem?

in what way was it wrong? do one today and give us the example/results.

 

[dondada]

browser hijacker...maybe try this...

http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html

 

[checks]

try using the nslookup command and then ping the address.

eg. nslookup www.google.ca
then ping 74.125.228.55
then try http://74.125.228.55 in your browser and see what happens. Could be a nameserver problem. But I suspect a browser hijacker as well.

 

[larry]

my first suspicion is typos. i'm waiting for a better description of the problem.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Sounds like a browser hijacker.

Get and run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

 

[probyn]

Do I need to delete the Norton Anti-Virus Software before I download the anti-spyware?

 

[probyn]

Thanks guys! I downloaded the antispyware software and the problem seems to have been solved.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Do I need to delete the Norton Anti-Virus Software before I download the anti-spyware?

No.
You can run both with no problems.

You should also have CCleaner, it's free and will help clean the crap out that accumulates in Windows. I used to run CCleaner a couple times a day when I used Windows. It's a fast effective cleaning scan....

 

[larry]

i and my friends use ccleaner to "cover our tracks". i wish there was a good one for ios too.

 

[WoodPeckr]

i and my friends use ccleaner to "cover our tracks". i wish there was a good one for ios too.

I use BleachBit and BleachBit for Administrator, with Linux and it works great!
Maybe BleachBit will work on that also....

BleachBit

 

[zorlack]

I use BleachBit and BleachBit for Administrator, with Linux and it works great!
Maybe BleachBit will work on that also....

BleachBit

hiya WoodPeckr, or you could install a Linux distro which offers setting up encryption whenya install...Linux Mint lets you encrypt your HOME folder.

or I often setup boxes usin good ol' Debian, the lighter desktop environments, and the installer lets you setup LVM/LUKS encryption, also check SWAP, and /TMP and stuff.
http://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/6.0.5/amd64/iso-cd/debian-6.0.5-amd64-xfce+lxde-CD-1.iso

then use a crazy long password and don't worry about someone accessing the data without it...also no worries about tossing the drive when it is old, having to bleachbit it all...although I still enjoy physically destroying old drives ^_*

cheers!

 

[WoodPeckr]

hiya WoodPeckr, or you could install a Linux distro which offers setting up encryption whenya install...Linux Mint lets you encrypt your HOME folder.

Ubuntu 12.04.1 LTS (Precise Pangolin) gives you that option when installing.