Browser Hijack

[wolfboy]

I would suggest using firefox as well. Doesn't help the damage already done though. If you're still having problems (I know the response is a bit late), try a program called hijackthis
http://www.spychecker.com/program/hijackthis.html

HijackThis is a tool, that lists all installed browser add-on, buttons, startup items and allows you to inspect, and optionally remove selected items. The program can create a backup of your original settings and also ignore selected items. Additional features include a simple list of all startup items, default start page, online updates and more. Intended for advanced users.

This is a very good freeware program that gets rid of some pesky programs. It will get more complex things that adaware can't remove. If this program is unable to delete any components, locate them (the path will appear in the hijackthis log), restart in safe mode, and delete them.


EDIT: Be very careful of what you delete via hijackthis. Some components and add-ons that appear are legitimate. Deleting legitimate items could screw up your browser even more. If you are unsure whether something is legit or not, google it first.

[redhead]

Thanks guy for all your advice. I haven't actually decided what to do yet, I have to proceed with caution, I have a lot of stuff I don't want to lose. Oh yeah, and it wasn't me that was downloading porn . LOL. As you notice, in my original message, I stated I let a friend borrow my computer. Now I know what my friend was doing and I was an idiot to loan it to her in the first place. :dflynn:

Oh and wolfboy, no response to me is ever too late. I probably won't even get around to actually trying to fix this thing (if that's possible) for at least a couple of weeks. I'm the worst procrastinator in the world.

Thanks again, guys.

[Aceking]

Just wanted to add one thing. Microsoft just added a free Spyware removal program to Microsoft.com. I used it on my dad's computer over the weekend and found it much better than Ad-Aware. Found more stuff.

[RedsFan75]

I use Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware, and Firefox. Tried Microsofts program, and found nothing. ! Firefox helps me keep my system clean.

[SunDeck]

I still can't believe it. Porn? On the Internet?
Gotta make a list of things I don't know.

[Sinister Urge]

also you might want to try a free virus scan from Pandascan or TrendMicro. Both find worms and such that play into these type things.

[LawFive]

Would anyone be willing to PM or EM one of the links above? I have the "about: blank" infection on IE, and I can't even click on the links above. I cannot get anywhere from the IE address bar; I can only access items from my "favorites" list. Good thing RedZone is on there! Many Thanks in advance.

[GAC]

I've always had success removing spyware running Norton's anti-virus software while in Safe Mode.

[GAC]

This tool is a must IMO, especially if you install games, deinstall, etc.

Costs 29 bucks

http://www.registry-clean.net/

My 16 yr old loves to go to gaming sites and download enumerators and various other games. He picks up some really nasty spyware in doing so woy.

Does this do a god job at removing them, or is AD-Aware and Spybot just as sufficient?

Thanks

[GAC]

Would anyone be willing to PM or EM one of the links above? I have the "about: blank" infection on IE, and I can't even click on the links above. I cannot get anywhere from the IE address bar; I can only access items from my "favorites" list. Good thing RedZone is on there! Many Thanks in advance.

about:blank is a nasty one. Here is one link where you can get SpySubract, along with CW Shredder for free for 30 days to see if you like it. I think it works the best of all that I've tried up top this point.

But you can Google CW Shredder and get a free download. It will remove about:blank and some other nastys.