[Rupestris]

I usually don't ask for PC support here but I'm stumped.

It seems my PC is infected. All attempts to use a search engine like yahoo or google are redirecting to unwanted websites. For example, if I do a search for "Koster Knives" Google does what looks like a standard search. Kosterknives,com is the first one on the list. When I click the link I get another window/pop-up that takes me to the Pledge furniture polish website or a yellowpages/local search type page.

Without a functioning search engine, I'm having a hard time nailing this one down.

I've tried restarting Windows in "Last known good configuration".
Updated and run Symantic AntiVirus
Tried to download AdAware but can't find it without a search engine. Cnet does not have it available at this time.

I'd realy appreciate any help with this.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[cireofmi]

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic181535.html
You might try that. I can't vouch for the program or site though. Just did a google search to find it.

 

[mahelinski]

Download HighJackThis from the following link:

http://majorgeeks.com/download3155.html

HighJackThis has helped me out of numerous binds in removing junk that has installed itself.

Download the file into its own directory, then double click on the executable file. Back ups are saved to the directory where the file is stored. After the initial scan look down the list to see if you can identify the mysterious search engine.

Click on the box on the left edge of the list and zap it.

Good luck!

 

[NEMichsportsman]

Adaware link

http://www.lavasoft.com/?domain=lavasoftusa.com

 

[NEMichsportsman]

I also run Spybot Search and Destroy:

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/

 

[MSUICEMAN]

probably in a registry key.....

 

[MSUICEMAN]

i just looked into this... seems like its a long, drawn out process to get rid of this redirector....

but anyways, you may want to contact this website:
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Google-Search-Redirected-t218403.html

 

[Paul Thompson]

I second the "hijackthis" fix, it sure cleaned my problem up.

 

[Ron L]

I sent Chris a couple of links via AIM earlier and he hasn't been back on since. I'm thinking maybe he shot his computer. I'll watch the news at 6 to make sure.

I sent him www.lavasoft.de and a mirror site for Avast. (I used the .de site for Adaware just in case the redirect virus was killing .com sites.)

 

[Rupestris]

I sent Chris a couple of links via AIM earlier and he hasn't been back on since. I'm thinking maybe he shot his computer. I'll watch the news at 6 to make sure.

Nah. Haven't shot it yet. Avast is still running.

Whatever I have seems to be doing a fine job of blocking all websites that anyone has posted in this thread.

I was able to get HijackThis but I'm not sure what files to "fix". Looks like there are about 50 files. Do I check them all or only those that are suspect?

Thanks again everyone,

Chris

 

[MSUICEMAN]

whens the last time you backed up your files onto dvd/external hd? if it was lately... you could always format and re-install.

 

[Ranger Ray]

Click in this order:

Start

Run

Type in box: msconfig, hit OK

Start up

OK

Disable all

OK

Re-start computer.

Sounds like you have a program taking over at startup. This will eliminate that. If by some chance you have something running off startup (usually not the case) that you need, you will have to go through after boot up and enable it. It is usually by trial and error figuring out what it is. When the computer starts back up, a box will appear telling you altered the startup program, just click on box and then OK. If this works, try to reload some of those anti spy-ware programs and run them. Good luck!

 

[Southend517]

1) stop going to porn sites - use a friends PC for that.
2) back-up data every once in a while
3) use hijack this and delete a bunch of the entries. post the list here and some one should be able to tell you what ones to delete.

 

[Danatodd99]

I had a friend that was in a similar predicament.
He told me when he noticed it started. I did a system restore and it cleared the problem. You might go back to a time before you know it was OK and try it. It will delete any software installed after that date.

I'd try it before formatting the HD.

 

[radiohead]

Isn't that why Firefox was invented?

1) stop going to porn sites

 

[Ron L]

Isn't that why Firefox was invented?

Firefox AND high-speed internet.

 

[Rupestris]

Sorry to bump this one back up. I'm back up and running. Ended up reinstalling XP.

Just wanted to say thanks for all the help. I've installed the software suggested. I'll use Ron L's PC for future viewing of porn sites since he knows all about it :evil:.

Chris

 

[Ron L]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the help. I've installed the software suggested. I'll use Ron L's PC for future viewing of porn sites since he knows all about it :evil:.

Known and bookmarked.