You guys that use Adaware do you quarantine critical objects and save negligable ones, or how do you determine which items are a threat???? I have AOL, and now when I sign on, ALOT of pop ups apear to the point the computer says too many windows are open and I need to close some. What do I need to do?
All the pop-ups sound like you have some adware on your machine. I'd let AdAware clean it all out. I've not used AdAware in a while; I prefer Spybot Search & Destroy . However, regardless of what program, I figure if something is considered spyware/adware, I don't want it, regardless of how innocuous it may seem. If you really aren't sure, check out what the suspect program is for. For example, is it something you use? You can search on Google for specific programs. Spybot gives info about most things; I'm not sure if AdAware does yet. For example, you may have a browser plugin that gives you a search feature you like. Are you willing to put up with it giving pop-up ads or collecting info about you? If so, don't delete it. Again, you'll have to do a little research on each program AdAware finds if you want to determine these things. Basically, you should be okay deleting everything AdAware or Spybot finds. If some free program you downloaded stops working, who cares - its not going to bother you anymore either. You could also search sourceforge.net to see if an open-source, malware-free program exists that duplicates the function of the "free" program that has spyware. This is assuming the programs in question are ones you downloaded on purpose. Most spyware/adware is downloaded behind your back (through Internet Explorer when you visit websites that have it) or is "piggybacked" on a "free" program you downloaded. AOL is also a pain for other reasons. I still have it (though have a command-line program in linux that connects to it without the AOL client). What I would do is only use AOL to connect (I'm assuming you have dial-up). Then download the Mozilla 1.7.3 or Mozilla Firefox 1.0 browser. Set the browser to block pop-ups (it will block most, not all), and enjoy the tabbed browsing function. Internet Explorer is notorious for downloading spyware/adware without you knowing it, and Mozilla won't do that too you.
Seriously, just stop using internet explorer. Head www.netscape.com and download their latest version. You'll be surpised how easy it is to NEVER have popups again.
I had a problem with a homepage redirect that I couldn't get rid of. I followed the instructions in the second post down here from "Bigal" and haven't had a problem since. I had run Adaware before, but when I changed the settings per the instructions it found something like 5,000 files! Scanning is now part of my regular routine. Best of luck.
I have run spybot but there is a .exe file that it can't find. When I go to windows explorer, I can't find it. When spybot tells me it's there and I open it from spybot it says it can't find it. The file is one of those that redirects my browser. Can someone tell me how to find it in DOS and delete it? - Bill
Bill- Try adaware per my post above. I had the same problem you had with a redirect and couldn't get rid of it with the default adaware settings. I changed the settings per the above and problem was solved. Give it a try.
If you now the path to the file just type DEL (the path and file name like DEL C:\windows\system\badfile.exe) DIR - lists everything in the directory CD - changes the directory DEL - Delete GL - Good Luck
Thanks! Here's a good one! Look what Bill spent trying to fix Windows! WASHINGTON (AP)--Internet users at home are not nearly as safe online as they believe, according to a nationwide inspection by researchers. They found most consumers have no firewall protection, outdated antivirus software and dozens of spyware programs secretly running on their computers. One beleaguered home user in the government-backed study had more than 1,000 spyware programs running on his sluggish computer when researchers examined it. The Internet always has had its share of risky neighborhoods and dark alleys. But with increasingly sophisticated threats from hackers, viruses, spam e-mails and spyware, trouble is finding computer users no matter how cautiously they roam online. The technology industry is feeling the pain, too. Spurred by the high costs of support calls from irritated customers -and fearful that frustrated consumers will stop buying new products -Internet providers, software companies and computer-makers are making efforts to increase awareness of threats and provide customers with new tools to protect themselves. Still, many computer users appear remarkably unprepared for the dangers they face. The study being released Monday by America Online and the National Cyber Security Alliance found that 77% of 326 adults in 12 states assured researchers in a telephone poll they were safe from online threats. Nearly as many people felt confident they were already protected specifically from viruses and hackers. When experts visited those same homes to examine computers, they found two-thirds of adults using antivirus software that was not updated in at least seven days. Two-thirds of the computer users also were not using any type of protective firewall program, and spyware was found on the computers of 80% of those in the study. The survey participants, a cross-section of Internet users, were selected in 22 cities and towns by an independent market analysis organization, said AOL spokesman Andrew Weinstein. The alliance, a nonprofit group, is backed by the U.S. Homeland Security Department and the Federal Trade Commission, plus leading technology companies, including Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO), Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), eBay Inc. (EBAY) and Dell Inc. (DELL). The group's chief, Ken Watson, said consumers suffer from complacency and a lack of expert advice on keeping their computers secure. "Just like you don't expect to get hit by a car, you don't believe a computer attack can happen to you," Watson said. "There really is quite a perception gap," agreed Daniel W. Caprio, the Commerce Department's deputy assistant secretary for technology policy. "Clearly there is confusion. We need to do a better job making information and practical tips for home users and small businesses available." "It is very complicated for the average home user," said Ari Schwartz, an expert on Internet threats for the Center for Democracy and Technology, a Washington civil liberties group. "There's a lack of accountability all around, from consumers who don't believe they should have to do this to companies who blame the consumer. It's finger-pointing back and forth," Schwartz said. Microsoft's chairman, Bill Gates, said the company spent nearly $1 billion on its recent upgrade to improve security for customers using the latest version of its Windows software. AOL purchased full-page advertisements in major newspapers this month pledging better security for its subscribers. Dell has begun a campaign to educate customers how to detect and remove spyware themselves. The government is increasingly involved, too. The FTC this month filed its first federal court case over spyware. The House overwhelmingly approved two bills to increase criminal penalties and fines over spyware. The Homeland Security Department offers free e-mail tips for home Internet users to keep themselves secure. On the Net: Cyber Security Alliance: www.staysafeonline.info Homeland Security tips: www.uscert.gov (END) Dow Jones Newswires 10-25-04 0103ET - Bill ou:
It's about time the government started slapping around the adware companies. They should treat it like an illegal phone tap and start throwing people in prison.
SPYWARE fixes Adaware and spybot are decent programs. But you get what you pay for FREE!!!!!! I switched to spy sweeper $29.95 at the local best buy computer stores. It is a real time program and cleans out the files very good. It changed my daughters computer from almost inoperable to fast as lightning. The neat thing about being real time is that it catches things as they try to attach themselves to your surfing habits. thanks my 2 cents from a guy that works on computers each and every day. remember Computers ARE a pain in the A** no matter how good they are. Dave
Bill- If you cant find the file, then more than likely you have a bad registry entry. Or the file may even be hidden. Heres what I would do, but you do it at your own risk. 1. Under Run type "regedit" (without the quotation marks), hit enter 2. Under the Tab Edit select find 3. Type in the bogus file name and hit find next 4. Once you find the file name in your registry, delete only the registry line, not the whole tree. 5 Keep doing this until you find no more entries. 6. Restart the computer, and if you didnt mess it up, the computer should be ok. 7. If not, then do a system restore. Hope this helps, but again, do this at your own risk!
You should backup a copy of your registry before doing the above as well so you have something ot restore from in case bad things happen. (Open regedit, "registry">"export registry".)
Ok, heres what Ive done with little/no success, I attempted to retore my computer to a earlier restoration point, will not allow me to do so.(may or may not be related to the problem) I updated my Windows XP with the new service pack II with built in firewall, no fixie.... I ran ad-aware, 330 items found (critical items), quarentined..... no fixie.... I ran Spybot search and destroy, found 12 more items, no fixie..... I attempted to do a live update on Norton, states I cant because of some interference with Windows XP ou: ou: I ran virus check (full system scan), none found or detected. I open Internet Explorer and can use it just fine... I open America Online, POP UPS FASTER THAN I CAN POSSIBLY X THEM OUT! Again, gets to a point where multipule warning screens come up stating too many windows are open and need to be closed Oh yeah, I installed googles pop up blocker and it blocks them, I see 24 blocked right now as Im typing. At times one gets through. On AOL it seems a majority of the POP UPS are spyware related ads. Whats next??????. I sign on AOL through a TSP (Verizon cable I believe) Seems AOL specific unless the google blocker is doing its job, and AOL doesnt have that protection. Ready to :blast: this thing..... HELP!!!!!!!!!! :Comp:
Yes Ken, But maybe my version is different. i have an Ad-Aware SE Personal version, I found all the items you suggested, and checked as noted. Still no luck. I also restarted computer after all the changes. :ball:
Tried, it redirects me to the Google home page every time. From your link and typing it manually, both ways are redirected to Googles home page
I'm running adaware 6.0. I think I got it from download.com, been a while. Sounds aggravating, I hope you find it!
I think its aggrivating me so much because its probably a simple fix and Im just missing something small. Thanks for the help though Ken! :beer
