follow owens ADVICE then post a new log
Hijack This Logs
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If you are having trouble with a Browser Hijacker or other problem, by all means post a Hijack This Log to the forum. Hijack This is a program that is used to help us solve quite a lot of problems with computers. It provides us with information about the services running on your computer (to help us detect viruses etc.), startup entries and other information about your browser and computer. It will not tell us every single thing about your computer or invade your privacy at all, just key characteristics to help us solve your problem quickly, so there is no need to worry.
Hijack This can be downloaded from here and instructions for posting a log can be found at this page.
You may sometimes be asked to disable System Restore. You will see a link at the bottom of this page on how to do that.
You may also be asked to change the way you view files by showing Hidden Files and Folders. Again there is a link at the foot of this page with instructions.
Finally if asked to boot into Safe Mode, click here for advice.
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Before posting a log
Before posting a log, it is a good idea to clear out your system in advance so that most of the spyware will be removed beforehand and the people who help you can explain how to remove the remaining problems. You can clear out your system using the programs below:
CWShredder- Please do not run CWShredder before posting a log. Please only run CWShredder when advised CoolWebShredder will help you remove the majority of Browser Hijackers (Browser Hijackers are a type of spyware that change your default home and search pages). Download CWShredder by clicking on the Red CWShredder writing above or click here. To let CWShredder begin the removal process, Run CWShredder and Click "Fix" and click "Ok" to any prompts you may get. CWShredder will now go through the removal process.
Spybot- Search And Destroy- Spybot S&D will remove the majority of spyware from your system. It is an excellent program with a large database of spyware. Download Spybot S&D by clicking Spybot- Search And Destroy in red writing above or click
here. Run the file you downloaded and install Spybot Search And Destroy. Once installed follow these instructions:
1. Go to Start>Programs>Spybot- Search and Destory and click Spybot- S&D
2. When the Program has loaded, you need to update its database first so in the left hand panel click Update. Then click Search For Updates at the top.
3. If any updates are found click Download Updates and allow Spybot to download the updates. If you have trouble updating change the mirror using the button next to Search For Updates.
4. Now you need to Scan with Spybot. Click Search And Destroy in the Left hand panel and then click Check For Problems at the top.
5. Spybot will begin scanning your system. When the scan is finished ensure that there is a checkmark next to all the problems and click "Fix Selected Problems" at the top. This will remove the Spyware from your system.
Ad-aware- Ad-aware is another program for detecting and removing spyware. It is important to have both Ad-aware and Spybot- S&D installed because if one misses a piece of spyware then it is likely the other will detect it. To download Ad-aware, click the link above or click here. Run the file you downloaded and install Ad-aware. Once installed follow these instructions:
1. Go to Start>Programs>Lavasoft Ad-aware 6 and click Ad-aware 6
2. When the Program has loaded, you need to update its database first so at the bottom click "Check For Updates" next to the Start button. Click Connect to check for updates. If Ad-aware detects any, it will confirm that you want to download it. Click Ok and it will download and install the update.
3. Click Finish when it has updated. Now we need to Scan and remove Spyware. Click Start at the bottom. Then click "Perform Smart System Scan" and then click Next.
4. Ad-aware will then scan your system for Spyware. When it has finished it will tell you how many objects it has found. Simply click Next and it will list everything it has found.
5. Put a checkmark next to all entries (or click one entry and click "Select All Objects"). Then click Next. Ad-aware will confirm that you want to remove the selected entries, simply click Ok and Ad-aware will remove the entries.
Now post a Hijack This log to the forum after you have followed all the instructions above. You should update and scan with these programs once a week
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Preventing it returning
After your problem has been resolved on the forum, it is an absoulute MUST to do the following steps to prevent the problem returning. Click on the Red Title to get access to the software or webpage that I'm referring to.
1. Visit Windows Update
Pay a visit to Windows Update and scan for and download ALL Critical Updates and Service Packs. New updates are usually released monthly so check back to Windows Update every month.
2. Download Antivirus Software-
If you haven't already got Antivirus software, you should download and install AVG Antivirus. It is freeware and is updated nearly every 2 days (sometimes more frequently if there are a lot of new viruses) and in my opinion, is better than some Antivirus software such as Norton. Antivirus software will prevent viruses infecting your system and it is important that you update it every two days or every week at the most.
3. Download a Firewall-
If you haven't already got a firewall, it is Very important that you download one. Firewalls will prevent unauthorised access to your computer and stop data leaking out of your computer. You may think that it won't happen to you, but Hackers don't care who you are, what you do, where you live or what you had for tea last Sunday on your holiday in the Lake District, they want your data. Firewalls will keep these sneaks out and one of the best is Sygate Personal Firewall, which happens to be freeware.
4. Prevent Spyware slipping through Internet Explorer-
Quite a lot of spyware slips through Internet Explorer if your settings are not tight enough. Spyware Blaster will help you prevent spyware slipping through and installing tracking cookies. Simply run it via Start> Programs> Spyware Blaster and click Enable All Protection and it will protect you. It doesn't even have to be open! Remember to update weekly/fortnightly.
5. Constant Spyware Protection-
It is important to have constant spyware protection. Spyware Guard works like an antivirus program but detects Spyware instead. It will constantly protect your system. Check for updates monthly.
All Of these steps are very important and it is HIGHLY recommended that you download all of the programs mentioned for your own safety. Remember to Update everything (including Windows using Windows Update)! It is also a good idea to perform weekly/fortnightly scans with Spybot S&D, Ad-aware and your antivirus software.
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Useful Diagnostics:
Disable System Restore
Post a Hijack This Log
Download ALL Critical Updates and Service Packs
Show Hidden Files and Folders
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Owen,
www.isecurity.org.uk
Please read Announcements before posting, by doing so you'll help us resolve your problem much more quickly
Useful Diagnostics:
Post a Hijack This Log
