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Unwanted websites!
Sent to General Experts March 27 01:11 PM

How do I get rid of something downloaded covertly on my computer? When I turn on my computer, websites are re-appearing as shortcuts on my desktop and in my favorites folder, even if I delete them. I’m running XP. Help?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
March 27 2:14 PM (1 hour and 2 minutes and 35 seconds later)
         
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Grumpytoo,

There are many programs that will search your computer for spyware and related annoying software. Possibly the best is called "Ad-Aware". It is a free download, and can be obtained from:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/

After downloading and installing this program, allow it to run. It will search your computer and see what software is installed that might be causing the random popups.

Another good idea is to obtain a virus scanning program. One such program is made by Panda software: http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm This program can be run online from within your browser.

As a final note, take care when installing seemingly benign software. Especially beware of anything that says it will "helpfully" install GATOR or GAIM software. That is one of the worst offenders of spyware and popup software known.

I hope this helps,
Paul Lalli
mrittyExpert's Profile
Answer
March 27 2:50 PM (36 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         
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Here's another good, free tool you can use:

www.safer-networking.org

Spybot Search and Destroy

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March 27 5:50 PM (2 hours and 59 minutes and 38 seconds later)
         
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The best program that I have found so far is SpyBot Search & Destroy here is a link for direct download copy and paste the link in the address bar http://tucows.tierra.net/adnload/310138_117317.html this is a free program that you do not have to pay for if you like it you can make a donation if you like but not necssary it is a real good user friendly program and works great after you download it make sure to update the program. If you need any help please let me know ((tidalwave)) will get the credit for this one



Hope This Helps Good Luck

Edited by Cool_it on March 27 2004 at 5:58 PM
Cool_itExpert's Profile
Reply
March 28 9:24 PM (1 day and 3 hours later)
         
I'm not sure this is adware. Some other response I've received deal with the Resgitry edit feature. I think this is where I need to go, since I've already run a spyware/adware program. Thanks.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 28 11:41 PM (2 hours and 16 minutes and 58 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
spybot will also scan the registry you will need to set it for that option and you can choose to delete the ones you wont, it will also create a backup for you so you can undo what you have done
Cool_itExpert's Profile
Reply
March 29 9:30 PM (21 hours and 49 minutes and 34 seconds later)
         
I've tried the adware/spyware programs...they just didn't work. Thanks.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 29 11:21 PM (1 hour and 50 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
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