Computer Hijacked Again!

Jagmandave · Jul 21, 2005

Once again one of those annoying "search" pages has hijacked my computer, this time it showed up on my wife's "side" first, then seems to have migrated to mine, and this one is a doozy - it's self replicating, so if you manage to delete it, it just re-installs itself................
I've run all the usual spybot/adaware/etc, even Microsoft's own anti-spyware beta can't touch it. It goes under several names, and installs itself three or four times - including "Home Search Assistent" (note spelling), "Informations about your PC "(spelling again), "Search Extender", "Shopping Wizard", all of which have all installed themselves on my computer. It also changes your homepage to "About:blank", and if you change it to what you want, it just changes it back the next time you open your browser. It also pops ads up constantly which your pop-up stopper's can't seem to stop, and sends you off onto pages you don't want to go to...
Some research online says that you have to go into the registry and find the program that's reinstalling it and remove it in order to get rid of it. I'm not big on editing my registry so I haven't done this yet, but it's prompted me to write an email letter to Bill Gates, I'll post it when it's ready to go, but the gist of it is that after being a Microsoft supporter for over ten years, I just wonder - Bill, is this really the best you can do?
Why not turn some of that brain trust loose and fix this thing? You've been minting money by the trainload for years now, how about doing something to ensure that it will continue?
Don't make me buy a Mac!

daedong · Jul 21, 2005

I had the same thing happen to me and i switched to firefox had toudle there after a will and just the last week or so have downloaded avant browser, its been great so far. try a new browser there are many. Bill is an idiot, forget IE. The more that leave IE the better they all will get. Thats my 2 Bobs worth.

Junkman · Jul 21, 2005

I won't dignify the above post with a comment ..... /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Now, getting back to your problem. For $35 you can get help to resolve the problem through Microsoft. This one time charge will give you all the assistance until the problem is resolved, even if that means more than one call. I had a similar problem and it took two calls to resolve the problem, but it was well worth it. The only think that you need to know is that once the technician starts to help you, it can take a few hours to complete the fix. They are very knowledgeable and patient even if you are not technically inclined in computer science. You will need to have your original copy of Windows for part of the repair procedure.

Alan L. · Jul 22, 2005

I don't know why they don't call this adware what it really is - a virus. Why can't antivirus software keep these out like they do other viruses? These things can really be difficult to get rid of.

Junkman · Jul 22, 2005

I believe that some programs can keep these things from taking over your computer. I use Web Root Spy Sweeper and it will notify me of any changes that are attempted to my computer and I have the choice to either allow it or deny it. The program costs about $40. Then I also use Norton System Works, PestPatrol, Spyware Doctor, Ad-Aware, and Microsoft Anti-Spyware to eliminate the sites that put tracking cookies on the computer. I don't have many problems with the cookies, because I don't go to "problem" sites, however my wife likes to play word games and those sites do put the tracking cookies onto the computer. I just run each of the programs once a day and eliminate them. I am not saying that these programs will stop all problems, but it will help to keep the majority of problems off your computer. The biggest problem is that new tracking programs are initiated faster than the deleting programs can keep up with them. If you don't want problems, then don't surf the web. For that very reason, our store computers have all had the modems removed. If they can't get onto the web, they can't get infected.

TractorLegend · Jul 22, 2005

It may be good to have a "ghost" image backup of your original install. A program called Norton Ghost is what I use.
Ive had to flush and reinstall windows when things get real bad, freeze up, hijacked browsers, etc, then when I get it where I want it I burn a ghost disc, which can then be installed if things get hoky or wierd again. It will revert everything to what is ghosted. Be sure to back up any app's like Quickbooks or important stuff on a dvd or cd's by burning discs or you will lose info you've added after making original ghost copy. Just one way.

MikePA · Jul 22, 2005

I ran IE for years and never had my computer 'hijacked'. So while IE might be more prone to having problems, the issue is properly protecting your computer, not Bill Gates.

A quality spyware product is what you need. I run Pest Patrol (now owned by Computer Associates). It cleans your PC and then, more importantly, runs in the background to both keep it clean and keep itself up to date. No fuss, no muss.

DannyD · Jul 22, 2005

I use avant browser also and have had no trouble either. I run my adware/spybot and get no "hits". My clients that I install the computers get a copy of avant, spybot, adware whether they want it or not, and some of them that had trouble before no longer have trouble.

As for Bill, yeah he should fix this, but first he has to hire the guys that are writing the stuff that attacks his programs, then fire the ones that he has now, 2 things that are not likely to happen. Pop ups are a way of life till congress decides to make it illegal to make a webpage that sells one item, add hits from you to a webpage that sells, a related item.

Hints, never open email from anyone that you do not know, or that comes from places you know you have not been to. I get lots of them with mispelled words, etc. Just "shift/delete" and they are gone.....after putting them in my ignore on Outlook.

DannyD · Jul 22, 2005

Hey Junkman, all it takes is someone to bring in a disc of whatever they want to show someone else and bam you are hit with all the things you dont want. Keeping off the internet is good for protection, but it is not fool proof.