Computers
- Thread starter Anna
- Start date
Anna - you probably have some spyware on the computer. Install Adaware - here's a link to it - http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10399602.html?tag=lst-0-1
this scans your computer for all the crap that sites install. Not a virus checker. Just a crap remover. Be warned - first time you run it, your jaw will drop with all the spyware you find.
L8R
this scans your computer for all the crap that sites install. Not a virus checker. Just a crap remover. Be warned - first time you run it, your jaw will drop with all the spyware you find.
L8R
If you're using Internet Explorer, it has a built-in pop-up blocker. Doesn't necessarily block everything, but blocks most of them.Anna said:
Go to TOOLS -> Internet Options -> Privacy -> Pop-up Blocker
Click on the box to enable blocking, and then you can click on the "Settings" button to adjust the level of blocking you want (high - medium - low) and a few other options. You can also enter the addresses of site that you want to allow pop-ups from.
FireFox also has a built-in pop-up blocker.
Go to TOOLS -> Options -> Content
The first selection on that tab is "Block pop-ups". Click the box to enable it. Click on "Allowed Sites" to enter the addresses of site that you want to allow pop-ups from.
FireFox also allows you to add "extensions" or small helper applications to do all kinds of things and I'm sure there are several 3rd party pop-up blockers available.
If you're not using FireFox, I highly recommen that you at least try it out. Its a very good browser, much more stable and a LOT more secure that IE plus its very customizeable with the add-on Extensions.
http://www.getfirefox.com
SWG
You should download AdAware as trapper5 suggested. Install it, run its Update to get the latest definitions (kind of like with an anti-virus program) then have it do a deep scan of your computer. It will scan your hard-drives and Windows Registry for any Spyware, Adware, and Malware and remove it. After that, Update and run it weekly.
You can also get a program called Spy Bot Search & Destroy -> http://www.spybot.com/en/index.html
It works pretty much the same as AdAware, but it can also be set to run in the background to monitor your system for any changes made by Spyware or Adware and prevent them from infecting your system.
As for viruses, I've used Norton Anti-virus for years. There are other good AV programs out there, like McAfee or PC-Cillin, but I've always found Norton to be an excellent program.
http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=is&pvid=nav2006
SWG
You can also get a program called Spy Bot Search & Destroy -> http://www.spybot.com/en/index.html
It works pretty much the same as AdAware, but it can also be set to run in the background to monitor your system for any changes made by Spyware or Adware and prevent them from infecting your system.
As for viruses, I've used Norton Anti-virus for years. There are other good AV programs out there, like McAfee or PC-Cillin, but I've always found Norton to be an excellent program.
http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/products/overview.jsp?pcid=is&pvid=nav2006
SWG
Hi Anna, here's a link to AVG antivirus, I dumped the Norton one cuz found
it used up to much memory while running. This one is great with no problems
and does a lot more than just antivirus.
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5
Haven't had any problems since using the AVG, very simple to use as well
for us computer dummies.
...........QM'r
it used up to much memory while running. This one is great with no problems
and does a lot more than just antivirus.
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5
Haven't had any problems since using the AVG, very simple to use as well
for us computer dummies.
...........QM'r
Avast
I have been using this free antivirus for a couple years now and found it to be very effective:
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
I have been using this free antivirus for a couple years now and found it to be very effective:
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
Spybot is another great one. It's free and has been one of the top 3 in the last few years at stopping spyware. It's always best to have a 2 or 3 to use because some find and remove things that the other might not find and vice versa.
http://www.spybot.info/en/
http://www.spybot.info/en/
Good advice TB, I also use the spybot as well.
.........QM'r
P.S. Anna, any update on what you found on your comp.
Also try the spybot as well, like TB said good to have a couple of
these for the extra security.
.........QM'r
P.S. Anna, any update on what you found on your comp.
Also try the spybot as well, like TB said good to have a couple of
these for the extra security.
Ccleaner
I've found this program to work well for getting rid of unnecessary files:
http://www.ccleaner.com/
I've found this program to work well for getting rid of unnecessary files:
http://www.ccleaner.com/
Browser
better yet..get Opera software and built into it is a blocker so you don't need all the extra software and it runs better than Explorer
better yet..get Opera software and built into it is a blocker so you don't need all the extra software and it runs better than Explorer
It's not that complicated
And NO, don't run all of these!
My friend runs Grisoft AVG Free for viruses and you say you already have that, so no worries. As long as it keeps updating and scanning automatically everyday.
Then Lavasoft's AdAware and Spybot for the other crap. I do the same. These are the best anti-adware & anti-apyware programs out there. But you do have to run manual scans in them at regular intervals—at least 2-3 times a week and daily if you surf porn sites (there's a ton of crap on them).
These three things are all you need besides getting that pop-up blocker setting going in Internet Explorer.
Now relax, and breathe—you'll be fine.
(Now, if I'd followed this friend's advice when I'd bought my computer, I wouldn't have bought the one I bought from the place I bought it, and it wouldn't have been in the shop for over a month recently awaiting a new hard drive, but I'd lost touch with him for over a year back then. Oh well, he did help me get it set up properly again when I got it back so as to avoid major problems as much as possible in the future, and if this thing gives me more grief when it's out of warranty, when I can afford it, I'll end up scrapping parts from it and I'll have a better machine.)
Anna, my best friend is a software developer for a very reputable employer and he's top at what he does. He knows what he's talking about and I always follow his advice. I'm also pretty knowledgable.Anna said:So you think I should download all of these links you men are sending me??like all...
And NO, don't run all of these!
My friend runs Grisoft AVG Free for viruses and you say you already have that, so no worries. As long as it keeps updating and scanning automatically everyday.
Then Lavasoft's AdAware and Spybot for the other crap. I do the same. These are the best anti-adware & anti-apyware programs out there. But you do have to run manual scans in them at regular intervals—at least 2-3 times a week and daily if you surf porn sites (there's a ton of crap on them).
These three things are all you need besides getting that pop-up blocker setting going in Internet Explorer.
Now relax, and breathe—you'll be fine.
(Now, if I'd followed this friend's advice when I'd bought my computer, I wouldn't have bought the one I bought from the place I bought it, and it wouldn't have been in the shop for over a month recently awaiting a new hard drive, but I'd lost touch with him for over a year back then. Oh well, he did help me get it set up properly again when I got it back so as to avoid major problems as much as possible in the future, and if this thing gives me more grief when it's out of warranty, when I can afford it, I'll end up scrapping parts from it and I'll have a better machine.)
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Anna, there are many different applications that take care of stuff like this. Pretty much all the suggestions here have been right on but you don't have to do all of them.Anna said:So you think I should download all of these links you men are sending me??
I'd suggest do one, see if it fixes the problem. then move on. sometimes too many choices can be paralyzing.
You probably don't have a virus. Spyware is much more common. Less damaging but more annoying. Start with a spyware remover like AdAware or Spybot. Either one is fine.
When you've installed and run the application, take a rest and see if that fixed the problem. Most likely the answer will be yes.
If the answer is no - then it's more serious and you may have a virus. I'd suggest getting help at that point to install some virus software to remove it.
When all is done, SWGuys suggestion about changing browsers was right on the money. Internet Exporer is a good browser but it's the one all the hackers shoots for. If you start using FireFox instead, it'll be like driving a Volvo. Nice and safe.
good luck.
Anna
What Operating System are you running. If you're running Windows XP or 2000 and have not been installing updates you should start at the basics:
Right click the "My Computer" icon and select "Manage". On the left expand "services and Applications" and the highlight "Services". In the right side of the window look for the service "Messenger". Double click it and change it's startup type to Disabled (disabling this service DOES NOT AFFECT MSN MESSENGER IN ANY WAY). The types of pop ups you're experiencing could be related to this. If you have windows XP go to http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/ and download Windows Defender. This is an anti spyware app from Microsoft.
And to make sure your Windows updates are turned on Right click the "My Computer" icon and select "properties". Select the "automatic updates" tab and make sure it's turned on.
If you're not Windows XP, as others have mentioned Spybot is a good free app.
http://www.safer-networking.org/
If you want the best spyware app though you should fork out some $$ for Webroot Spysweeper.
http://www.webroot.com/
The other apps listed in previous posts always make the top 5 or 10, but Webroot's product has topped the ratings for the past couple years.
On top of that don't just get an AV program, get a full security suite. Either Mcaffee or Symantec have products that include a software firewall and AV product. Neither of these are the "best" but they'll probably have the best support and you're pretty much guaranteed they're going to be around in 12 months.
The trick is going to be cleaning an infected system. Install these applications and run all the online updates for them. BUT before you install or run updates you should check one file that alot of these programs mess with that prevents you from going to the web sites for updates. Browse to the following file
c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
the file is called hosts with no extension. Open it up. It should have a bunch of text preceeded by the pound sign #. Below that is the important part. Other than the comments (comments are the part preceeded by the # symbol), the only thing in the file should be this
127.0.0.1 localhost
If you see any entries like
127.0.0.1 www.symantec.com
you should delete them. Basically when you would try to go to the website www.symantec.com you would get a page not found because of this. The same thing would happen if there are entries for windowsupdate.com etc.
After you've updated all your software, you should then restart Windows in Safe Mode (press the F8 key when booting) and select Safe mode. Launch the antivirus app you choose and do a full in depth system scan. If it finds anything let it clean it up. Then run a full scan for spyware. Good luck
What Operating System are you running. If you're running Windows XP or 2000 and have not been installing updates you should start at the basics:
Right click the "My Computer" icon and select "Manage". On the left expand "services and Applications" and the highlight "Services". In the right side of the window look for the service "Messenger". Double click it and change it's startup type to Disabled (disabling this service DOES NOT AFFECT MSN MESSENGER IN ANY WAY). The types of pop ups you're experiencing could be related to this. If you have windows XP go to http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/ and download Windows Defender. This is an anti spyware app from Microsoft.
And to make sure your Windows updates are turned on Right click the "My Computer" icon and select "properties". Select the "automatic updates" tab and make sure it's turned on.
If you're not Windows XP, as others have mentioned Spybot is a good free app.
http://www.safer-networking.org/
If you want the best spyware app though you should fork out some $$ for Webroot Spysweeper.
http://www.webroot.com/
The other apps listed in previous posts always make the top 5 or 10, but Webroot's product has topped the ratings for the past couple years.
On top of that don't just get an AV program, get a full security suite. Either Mcaffee or Symantec have products that include a software firewall and AV product. Neither of these are the "best" but they'll probably have the best support and you're pretty much guaranteed they're going to be around in 12 months.
The trick is going to be cleaning an infected system. Install these applications and run all the online updates for them. BUT before you install or run updates you should check one file that alot of these programs mess with that prevents you from going to the web sites for updates. Browse to the following file
c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
the file is called hosts with no extension. Open it up. It should have a bunch of text preceeded by the pound sign #. Below that is the important part. Other than the comments (comments are the part preceeded by the # symbol), the only thing in the file should be this
127.0.0.1 localhost
If you see any entries like
127.0.0.1 www.symantec.com
you should delete them. Basically when you would try to go to the website www.symantec.com you would get a page not found because of this. The same thing would happen if there are entries for windowsupdate.com etc.
After you've updated all your software, you should then restart Windows in Safe Mode (press the F8 key when booting) and select Safe mode. Launch the antivirus app you choose and do a full in depth system scan. If it finds anything let it clean it up. Then run a full scan for spyware. Good luck
Can you clarify what you mean by this? What does this list do? I looked at the file that you directed anna to and saw this:dr_pepper said:
What happens if I delete all these listed sites?
