NationStates Jolt Archive

Alright, I am having some big problems with the internet. Mostly Google, though many sites now are having another problem.

With Google, I've had several annoying things happen.
If I do a search, everything generally comes up fine, but then if I try to open what I want, I get redirected to 3 different sites; Lycos, a Morwill Search engine, and a hardcore porn site. This was rather embarrasing, because the first time I noticed this, I was with my girlfreind :rolleyes: (Guess which site I found first, at the worst possible time?).

Thats my main problem.
I also have a secondary problem, because sometimes if I'm on a page, it randomly changes to the bad url/filename page. This doesn't happen with just one or two pages; it happens everywhere, even if I'm not loading anything.

Any ideas on either of the problems?

Alright, I am having some big problems with the internet. Mostly Google, though many sites now are having another problem.

With Google, I've had several annoying things happen.
If I do a search, everything generally comes up fine, but then if I try to open what I want, I get redirected to 3 different sites; Lycos, a Morwill Search engine, and a hardcore porn site. This was rather embarrasing, because the first time I noticed this, I was with my girlfreind :rolleyes: (Guess which site I found first, at the worst possible time?).

Thats my main problem.
I also have a secondary problem, because sometimes if I'm on a page, it randomly changes to the bad url/filename page. This doesn't happen with just one or two pages; it happens everywhere, even if I'm not loading anything.

Any ideas on either of the problems?

Alright, I am having some big problems with the internet. Mostly Google, though many sites now are having another problem.

With Google, I've had several annoying things happen.
If I do a search, everything generally comes up fine, but then if I try to open what I want, I get redirected to 3 different sites; Lycos, a Morwill Search engine, and a hardcore porn site. This was rather embarrasing, because the first time I noticed this, I was with my girlfreind :rolleyes: (Guess which site I found first, at the worst possible time?).

Thats my main problem.
I also have a secondary problem, because sometimes if I'm on a page, it randomly changes to the bad url/filename page. This doesn't happen with just one or two pages; it happens everywhere, even if I'm not loading anything.

Any ideas on either of the problems?

Spyware maybe? If so, get a Spyware Removal program like Spybot - Search and Destroy.

It sounds like your most likely problem. But I'm not exaclty a computer expert.

Any ideas on either of the problems?

Get Hijack this to deal with the first problem. Get ad-adware and spybot to deal with the second.

Then ask in moderation for a delete of your two other threads.

Alright, I am having some big problems with the internet. Mostly Google, though many sites now are having another problem.

With Google, I've had several annoying things happen.
If I do a search, everything generally comes up fine, but then if I try to open what I want, I get redirected to 3 different sites; Lycos, a Morwill Search engine, and a hardcore porn site. This was rather embarrasing, because the first time I noticed this, I was with my girlfreind :rolleyes: (Guess which site I found first, at the worst possible time?).

Thats my main problem.
I also have a secondary problem, because sometimes if I'm on a page, it randomly changes to the bad url/filename page. This doesn't happen with just one or two pages; it happens everywhere, even if I'm not loading anything.

Any ideas on either of the problems?

You probably have a browser hijacker. Get AdAware and Spybot Search&Destroy and let both search through your system.

I never had a hijacker myself, so maybe there's other software you should use as well.

Also, use FireFox (if you don't already do).

Spyware maybe? If so, get a Spyware Removal program like Spybot - Search and Destroy.

It sounds like your most likely problem. But I'm not exaclty a computer expert.
Good start ... spybot plus maybe an ad-aware SE scan combined would be my first steps

You probably have a browser hijacker. Get AdAware and Spybot Search&Destroy and let both search through your system.

I never had a hijacker myself, so maybe there's other software you should use as well.

Also, use FireFox (if you don't already do).
Hijackthis is a good one but not for begining users

Step 1: Clear cache.
Step 2: Clear cookies.
Step 3: Delete temporary internet files.
Step 4: Run spyware program.
Step 5: Repeat 1-4 weekly.

:)

Get Hijack this to deal with the first problem. Get ad-adware and spybot to deal with the second.

Then ask in moderation for a delete of your two other threads.

Fuck...they gave me an error so I clicked again, they gave another...etc. Thanks

Step 1: Clear cache.
Step 2: Clear cookies.
Step 3: Delete temporary internet files.
Step 4: Run spyware program.
Step 5: Repeat 1-4 weekly.

:)

Been there, tried that.

Step 1: Clear cache.
Step 2: Clear cookies.
Step 3: Delete temporary internet files.
Step 4: Run spyware program.
Step 5: Repeat 1-4 weekly.

:)
You do that weekly? I never do that, but I've had no real need to lately.

You do that weekly? I never do that, but I've had no real need to lately.
Amazing how rarely you have to do it running *nix lol

Amazing how rarely you have to do it running *nix lol
lol. I am running doze. So being able to go without suprises the hell out of me.

Question.

How the hell did you make three damn posts in a row in your thread instead of three threads? Did you purposefully write them over and over?

Download: Microsoft Anti-spyware, Spybot S&D, Spyware Blaster, Lavasoft Ad-Aware, and Mozilla Firefox. Delete temp files. Scan everything to hell.

Question.

How the hell did you make three damn posts in a row in your thread instead of three threads? Did you purposefully write them over and over?

Download: Microsoft Anti-spyware, Spybot S&D, Spyware Blaster, Lavasoft Ad-Aware, and Mozilla Firefox. Delete temp files. Scan everything to hell.
I think the mods did it.

Question.

How the hell did you make three damn posts in a row in your thread instead of three threads? Did you purposefully write them over and over?


The three threads were merged.

On a somewhat related note, I just read a reveiw of the Intel Pentium 955 Extreme Edition (using the new 65 nm Presler core). It preforms quite well, and has significant performance gains over Prescotts. However, it runs very hot (~60C idle/~95C full load). They think this CPU's high temps might bring back the BTX standard.

I have started to use a plugin for Firefox called 'NoScript', which unless you specify otherwise, will by default, disable all scripts, except very basic ones. This is very effective if you're trying to block out spyware and other malicious items.

This would be handy once you've cleaned up the machine a bit. ^_^

I have started to use a plugin for Firefox called 'NoScript', which unless you specify otherwise, will by default, disable all scripts, except very basic ones. This is very effective if you're trying to block out spyware and other malicious items.

This would be handy once you've cleaned up the machine a bit. ^_^

Indeed. NoScript+AdBlock+Flashblock are very useful FF extensions.

On a somewhat related note, I just read a reveiw of the Intel Pentium 955 Extreme Edition (using the new 65 nm Presler core). It preforms quite well, and has significant performance gains over Prescotts. However, it runs very hot (~60C idle/~95C full load). They think this CPU's high temps might bring back the BTX standard.
Reading the thread on that article in the site's forum, the Conroe chips will have worse heat problems. The problem seems to have exist during other reviews and Intel is blaiming the mobo (which they built).

I have started to use a plugin for Firefox called 'NoScript', which unless you specify otherwise, will by default, disable all scripts, except very basic ones. This is very effective if you're trying to block out spyware and other malicious items.

This would be handy once you've cleaned up the machine a bit. ^_^
NoScript is very effective, but a pain in the ass right after you install it.

(1) Download a free copy of ToolbarCop from Softpedia:

Toolbar Cop (http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm)

It helps you delete/disable browser add-ons, and lets you manage all your startup files. Use it once every few weeks or so.


(2) If you're not already using a firewall, download a free copy of the Filseclab firewall from Download.com:

Filseclab Firewall (http://www.download.com/Filseclab-Personal-Firewall-Professional-Edition/3000-10435_4-10421598.html?tag=lst-0-8)

Learn how it works, and use it.


(3) Do NOT use Internet Explorer to routinely surf the Internet. Go download a free copy of Firefox from the Mozilla web site:

Firefox Browser (http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/)

About 95% of web sites work perfectly with Firefox. You should keep IE around only for the other 5%. Once you get Firefox installed, open it and click on Tools > Options and then on Web Features. Make sure that the Block Popup Windows box is checked. Then click on Tools > Extensions and go look at all the extensions you can choose from.


Taking these 3 steps should prevent a user who is already taking common-sense steps (protecting his passwords and personal data, not opening unknown email attachments, making sure to look for the SSL lock icon during online financial transactions, etc.) from accidentally getting infected or hijacked. Just like sex, nothing is 100% sure to prevent unwanted side effects while surfing except not doing it. Use common sense and protect yourself, and you'll be OK.

Good luck! :)

Microsoft Anti-spyware does all the things you say Toolbar Cop does and more. It is the only freeware program that could remove a very hard to get out spyware bundle on my computer.

Microsoft Anti-spyware does all the things you say Toolbar Cop does and more. It is the only freeware program that could remove a very hard to get out spyware bundle on my computer.
It also encourages you to remove harmless programs like MSN Messenger Plus by lying about the effects they have on your computer, and by uninstalling them through MA-S certain attachments to the program (like the ad program with MSMMP) don't get uninstalled properly, so you have to reinstall the program, then uninstall it through Add/Remove Programs to get the thing uninstalled properly.

I don't trust Microsoft security/anti-[anything] anymore, since it started blocking MP3s coming in through MSN Messenger. -_-;

Microsoft Anti-spyware does all the things you say Toolbar Cop does and more. It is the only freeware program that could remove a very hard to get out spyware bundle on my computer.
We have used it to pull the head off of a very nasty rootkit on a regular basis (then use symantec to finish the job)

It has had its usefull points

It also encourages you to remove harmless programs like MSN Messenger Plus by lying about the effects they have on your computer, and by uninstalling them through MA-S certain attachments to the program (like the ad program with MSMMP) don't get uninstalled properly, so you have to reinstall the program, then uninstall it through Add/Remove Programs to get the thing uninstalled properly.

I don't trust Microsoft security/anti-[anything] anymore, since it started blocking MP3s coming in through MSN Messenger. -_-;

It can't do anything if you don't let it. I don't know wtf you have been doing.

It can't do anything if you don't let it. I don't know wtf you have been doing.
Microsoft Security Center blocks out MP3s your friends have sent you on MSN Messenger. I've tried disabling everything on it, and it still blocks them out. Microsoft does a hell of a lot without your permission.

If you're talking about the Messenger Plus thing, I said it encourages you to uninstall it by lying about the program's effect on your computer, not that it uninstalls it on its own.

Microsoft is an excellent company in many respects, but I cannot personally or professionally recommend using any of their security-related products at this time. You take your chances with anyone, but when it comes to security I'd much rather take my chances with a company that doesn't have so many irons in the fire, so to speak.

Microsoft Security Center blocks out MP3s your friends have sent you on MSN Messenger.
Are you sure that isn't a port blocked on your firewall or router?

If you're talking about the Messenger Plus thing, I said it encourages you to uninstall it by lying about the program's effect on your computer, not that it uninstalls it on its own.
What the hell is Messenger Plus?

Microsoft Anti-spyware was made by GIANT and Microsoft bought it or something. So it is only sorta theirs.

EDIT: I looked up Messenger Plus, and it looks like you need to pay attention to Microsoft Anti-Spyware.
http://www.msghelp.net/showthread.php?tid=21598
I make a habit of doing my damndest to not install anything that comes with hidden spyware.

Are you sure that isn't a port blocked on your firewall or router?


What the hell is Messenger Plus?

Microsoft Anti-spyware was made by GIANT and Microsoft bought it or something. So it is only sorta theirs.
A pop-up comes up on my screen and says something along the lines of "Microsoft Security has determined that this file extension is dangerous, and has blocked access to the file." although that's not exactly what it says, it's the general idea. It then deletes the file from the folder, and a Start -> Search for the filename returns no results anywhere on the computer. It definitely mentions Microsoft Security, has the little shield emblem on it and all, so it's NOT something from a blocked port, some other firewall, or my router.

And Messenger Plus is a plugin for MSN Messenger that adds a bunch of fun features, such as longer message lengths, custom names (eg. instead of seeing "SwEeT lIl ThAnG" on your contact list for your friend Christine, you can see "Christine"), and custom away messages. MS Anti-Spyware added it to their list and recommends to its users to uninstall it, even though it's completely harmless and doesn't hurt your computer at all in any way.

And even if they did buy it from someone else, they've added so many programs to it, including harmless ones that they just don't like for some reason, and lied about the programs' effects on computers. That's the point I was trying to make.

[EDIT] The only thing that might compromise your computer in any way from Messenger Plus is the sponsor program, but even if you don't install it, MS A-S still gives the result, as far as I could tell from the write-up about it on the MP website. It does NOT harm the computer or anything, at least not as far as I've seen.

A pop-up comes up on my screen and says something along the lines of "Microsoft Security has determined that this file extension is dangerous, and has blocked access to the file." although that's not exactly what it says, it's the general idea. It then deletes the file from the folder, and a Start -> Search for the filename returns no results anywhere on the computer. It definitely mentions Microsoft Security, has the little shield emblem on it and all, so it's NOT something from a blocked port, some other firewall, or my router.

And Messenger Plus is a plugin for MSN Messenger that adds a bunch of fun features, such as longer message lengths, custom names (eg. instead of seeing "SwEeT lIl ThAnG" on your contact list for your friend Christine, you can see "Christine"), and custom away messages. MS Anti-Spyware added it to their list and recommends to its users to uninstall it, even though it's completely harmless and doesn't hurt your computer at all in any way.

And even if they did buy it from someone else, they've added so many programs to it, including harmless ones that they just don't like for some reason, and lied about the programs' effects on computers. That's the point I was trying to make.

[EDIT] The only thing that might compromise your computer in any way from Messenger Plus is the sponsor program, but even if you don't install it, MS A-S still gives the result, as far as I could tell from the write-up about it on the MP website. It does NOT harm the computer or anything, at least not as far as I've seen.
Fist, I think the most important msn needs is the ability to run without lagging. Even on a 3700+ with 1 GB RAM it still seems to be able to lag.:rolleyes:

I do find it somewhat ironic that MS still lets you download MSN PLUS when the Security Center blocks it.

Although its pay software... I swear by Spysweeper, its better than spybot. I have an expired version on my lappy and it still almost has no spyware (1-4 pieces a month) whatso-ever. It also prevents browser hijacking and is an active shield unlike adaware. Its 30 bucks canadian for a 2 year subscription I think. Well worth it in my opinion. It can be pirated but there always blocking abused keys.

I would use that, and CCleaner can't hurt, its just good housekeeping. I run adaware on occassion too as it sometime finds what spysweeper doesn't (and vice versa)