pop ups and favourites problem

codo

hi

Had my computer for years and no problems with pop ups but in the last few days am being driven mad by them every time i go on the internet. Another query is at the same time my favourites list has become alphabetical with some new additions that I dont seem to be able to delete (when I right click them the only option I get is to close toolbar).

I have run my bt yahoo antispy software and also Ad-Aware and found nothing untoward bar some cookies.

Dont know what to do???

In the last week my son has downloaded MSN Messenger and my hubby has found a new free online gaming site, could any of these be causing the problem?

thewizard

Well MSN Messenger alone wont be a problem, but you may find that your son may have downloaded an add-on such as Smiley Central which is a well known piece of spyware/adware.

Download Windows Defender and Spybot Search and Destroy update them and scan using both of them.

Make sure your firewall is switched on and up to date if you dont have one get one! You get a Zone Alarm for free (just google Zone Alarm Free).

If you are using Windows XP, make sure you have SP2 (service Pack 2) installed and make sure your pop up blocker is turned on.

If you are not using XP download the Google Tool Bar and use the pop up blocker or make sure your yahoo pop up blocker is turned on.

Use an alternative web browser such as Firefox or Opera as these are both more secure.

As for the favorites you should be able to delete them by right clicking on them and clicking delete, if you are unable to do this scan your computer for viruses and spyware after this is done and anything found has been deleted you should be able to remove them. If not check the properties of each of the favorites and see if they are set as read only if they are disable read only by unchecking the box where it says read only.

If your son wants to install an add-on for msn messenger get him to install MSN Messenger Plus WITHOUT the sponsor tool bar as this is adware. You can download that from https://www.msgplus.net

Browntoa

read this thread about Malware removal

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=133269

follow steps 1 to 4 and you should be sorted

if not come back and we will help further

codo

Hi

Thanks for your replys. Unfortunately I dont have windows xp. I have windows ME. Can I still do the above??

Browntoa

yes, the only bits of software that will not work are Ewido + Microsoft Antispyware ( now called Bit Defender) which are only for Xp

the others should do the clean for you

thewizard

You can do everything I said except the part about SP2 and isntall Windows Defender. But I would also reccomend Secretmaker (which can be downloaded from www.secretmaker.com) which helps block some spyware etc.

I would also reccomend downloading Spyware Blaster

codo

Thanks for the advise. Have done the above. Fingers crossed.

Back to surfing with the annoyance.

thewizard

codo wrote:

Back to surfing with the annoyance.

Are they still coming up?

codo

none so far and 3 blocked pop up registered on my google tool bar. Yipee!!!

Thanks again - what would I do without this website.

thewizard

curl up and die?