Search re-directed and wrong page shows

maryjane · #1 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 04:53 AM

Just recently I have been having problems with the "search" feature. When I type in, for example, "Southwest Airlines", it is directed to another page that is completely different. It does this for EVERY search, going to all different pages. Can anyone help me?

Dan Penny · #2 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 04:59 PM

Welcome to techhelpforum.

Sounds like your Search parameters have been "hijacked". This is usually done through some form of Ad-Ware or Mal-Ware.

If you use Internet Explorer (6.x) the attached reg file should restore the default XP search parameters. Just extract it somewhere convenient, click on it and choose MERGE. Then Confirm the action. A restart may be necessary to enable the change.

However, if Ad-Ware or Mal-Ware is indeed present, some of these "programs" reinstall themselves at every boot, thereby starting all over again, hi-jacking your settings again. If this is the case, the reg fix probably won't "hold".

If you run any AdWare/MalWare programs, use them to perform a deep search and remove anything they find.

Security Tools/Programs can be obtained here;

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/fil...d,22262,00.asp

Some of the basic/most used programs are;
CWShredder
SpywareBlaster
AdAware 2007
Spybot Search & Destroy

For deep-rooted nasties HijackThis is widely used by the security experts (among a couple of others. (See below)

I suggest you follow the instructions here> HiJackThis prerequisites, and then post your log in a new thread in the Spyware, Adware, Viruses and HijackThis Logs Forum.

Our "sister-site" has the same help available in case there isn't a response here within a reasonable timeframe;

Follow the instructions here> HiJackThis prerequisites, and then post your log in a new thread in the Spyware, Adware, Viruses and HijackThis Logs Forum.