Save Popup remover.

Linda32

Hello all,

I wonder if anyone could recommmend a safe popup blocker. We have obviously managed to download something. I've tried a SYSTEM MECHANIC disk and a Fix-It Utilities but nether has got rid of the pop ups. They usually appear when you try to jump forums, instead of getting a drop down list I get an advert for Bingo. Whilst typing I have a Hot Deals to the right and an advert for Office below.

I don't mind if its a paid for service. I just don't know which one to choice when I search for a blocker myself.

I have followed instructions on this website
http://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-adware-popup-ads/

Downloaded AdwCleaner and Junkware Removal Tool but nether have made any difference.

John_Gray

Have you tried the free version of Malwarebytes Anti-malware to get rid of the (presumed) infection? Choose "free", and on installing, untick the offer to try the Premium version for 30 days (unless you want it!).

Once you've fixed the problem, it will depend on what browser you use if you wish to get rid of 'ordinary' advertisements and pop-ups. For Firefox and Chrome you could try either µBlock or AdBlock Plus.

(µBlock can be searched for as ublock, because almost nobody can type a µ character in a search box!)
(OK, so it's ALT+230)

AsTheCrowFlies

I agree with John Gray, Malwarebytes is the best. No single one will get rid of every infection, so you may want to try another if this doesn't work out. Spybot is good.

Do bear in mind you don't want a popup 'blocker'. That is just the symptom of your infection, there is actually malicious code somewhere on your system which could be doing even worse stuff, like sending everything you type on your keyboard to a hacker. :mad: You need to remove the spyware itself.

Which is a pretty good reason to stop doing internet banking etc on your computer until it's removed.

Linda32

Thank you both, yes I do see what you mean regarding a pop up blocker.

Yes, I am staying away from internet banking at the moment. :eek: The laptop is bearly useable at the moment anyway. I am replying to you on my tablet.

thanks again for your help.





Just wanted to add, I've tried Malwarebytes and it hasn't made any difference at all. If that hasn't worked nor the other things I've tried, is it likely to mean its the end of the line for this laptop and I shall be buying another one shortly?

AsTheCrowFlies

Linda32 wrote: »

Just wanted to add, I've tried Malwarebytes and it hasn't made any difference at all. If that hasn't worked nor the other things I've tried, is it likely to mean its the end of the line for this laptop and I shall be buying another one shortly?

Not at all - the hardware itself won't be infected so you can always completely 'reset' the software by reinstalling Windows, it will literally be just like new again. I think geeks tend to do this every 2 years or so, cleans up not just viruses but all sorts of software that slows down your computer and makes it fast again.

To do this you will need:
1) to back up all your data
2) the software disc for Windows and other software, should have come with your lappy when you first bought it
3) One or more of: 3 hours/Instructions found from Google/a bottle of wine/a geeky friend to help

Alternatively GeekSquad would do it (http://www.geeksquad.co.uk/services/one-off) "from £24"... I've never used them before though.

pmartin86

as Suggested, I'd recomend a full scan of Maleware bytes and remvoe anyhting it finds, you can also follow this up with a run of CCleaner and a full scan of AVG Anti Virus Free Edition, see if that helps at all.

Knarf44

As nobody else has suggested it, please post the make and exact model of your laptop or pc. So far, I'm assuming it's using Windows 7.

With that info posters here can be more precise in the advice they offer as to your best course of action. Personally, I think a factory restore is the way to go. With the make and model a link can be provided to the instructions on the manufacturer's website.

As hinted at post #5 above once the restore process has completed some time will need to be spent running Windows Update before even considering putting other programs on the computer.

One last point, I often see the free version of AVG anti virus being recommended on this board. I accept some swear by its qualities but although it's better than nothing it's not the most effective at stopping malware getting onto your system. Currently, the free versions of Avira, Bitdefender, Panda Cloud and 360 Total Security, the latter with the Bitdefender and/or Avira virus definition engines installed all offer a much better level of protection against the various forms of malware.

Linda32

Thank you all, unfortunately we did not have a recovery disk nor a copy of windows. We initially thought we must have lost them (although that would have been odd, as we keep all computer related things together in a box file)

We have bought a new laptop from PC World where we bought the other one from. The lady tried to sell us a recovery disk as they don't come with their PC's any longer. We didn't buy one so she advised us to make one ourselves.

Its for this reason that we don't now think we lost the disks, we didn't get them in the first place, and didn't have the foresight to make one. You live and learn I guess.

We are pleased with the new laptop and feel we have got something more for our money. Its so much faster than the old one (which it should be of course) We are now trying to get to grips with Windows 8. The built in webcam is rather alarming :rotfl:

Thank you once again for pointing us in the right direction.

Knarf44

As part of your learning curve, I would suggest you start here:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/system-recovery-overview

Linda32

yes, thank you, I found that this morning and have bought a memory stick. As I say, live and learn and hindsight being a wonderfull thing.