Calling all IT boffins....

[ApexClipper]

Ok, I have a rather large problem with pop-ups.

When I type a web address, ANY web address into my browser bar, along with the website itself, I also get around 40-80 (yes, count 'em!) pop-ups fired rapid style at me!

The interesting thing is, they are the same four pop-ups all the time, and each one is telling me I need to install their Adware / Spyware protection software. I have already downloaded & ran AOL's own Spyware / Adware catcher program and deleted a bunch of the offending parasites, however this has not stopped these particular pop-ups.

The pop-ups in question appear to be coming from this site - http://vn.msie.cc/popup7.php?pin=8 - DON'T CLICK ON IT THOUGH!!

I have also blocked pop-ups through AOL & I have also went into the messenger settings in Win XP and disabled them and still they keep popin' up

Also, my homepage has been altered to something not of my choosing, and even when I go into internet properties, change & then save changes - it still reverts back to this page

HELP!!!!!!!

By the way, there is a signed blank cheque waiting for whoever solves this!!!!

[size13]

Clear out you IE cache etc.. and install Spybot. And don't go back to that website again!

[puggit]

Download and install Firefox browser - enable the popup blocker

Whatever you do, move from Internet Explorer (or the AOL browser, which is based on IE).

[stewy68]

Try this:http://grc.com/stm/shootthemessenger.htm Works for me.

[Miken]

Some background on Spyware here and some recommendations that could help..

www.spywareinfo.com/articles/hijacked/

Mike

[Bodo]

ApexClipper said:

http://vn.msie.cc/popup7.php?pin=8 - DON'T CLICK ON IT THOUGH!!

In case anyone wonders what's behind this link, here's a screenshot:



It's a cheap spoof, because I do not run Netscape on Windows, but Firefox on Linux. I don't even know about spyware for Linux

[wik]

Use Adaware form lavasoft. Free.
www.lavasoft.com
Download it. Check for updates. Run it. Be amazed as you have about 300 bits of spyware hiding all over the place.

Then download the free version of popup stopper from www.panicware.com

Once its clean you should be OK.

These are nice effective tools and free to boot !



>> Edited by wik on Tuesday 18th May 13:57

[RobDickinson]

Have IE installed and updated on your windows PC.

But DONT use it. Or outlook.

Choose anything else, firebird, opera(my fav), and mail client.

Using IE/outlook is asking for trouble.

[arcturus]

RobDickinson said:

Using IE/outlook is asking for trouble.

Sorry, but beg to differ. I know there are better clients out there, but I use IE6 and Outlook 2003 without any trouble.

All my defences are up to date (AV, antispy, firewall) and Windoze is patched to the hilt. I'm not saying it wont happenand I am not complacent, but as yet I have not been got by anything.

I accept that some would argue that I shouldn't need to take the extra precautions, but I know the risks and take action accordingly.

To use an analogy, you wouldn't go to a hooker without using a condom after all.....would you?

[ApexClipper]

Cracking analogy there!!

Right, I'll have a go at the above suggestions, many thanks to all who responded - it's much appreciated

Man, I love this place!!

Now, who do I make this cheque out to?

Edited to say: Sorry for being a complete pain in the rearquarters, but which of the above suggested downloads is the best?

>> Edited by ApexClipper on Tuesday 18th May 16:59

[stuuu]

Alex, YHM Instruction far to big to post on here.

[agent006]

RobDickinson said:

Using IE/outlook is asking for trouble.

Only if your'e a numpty user. I use outlook 2000 and have never ever had a virus. Ever. I use Opera purely because it's better than IE. I only use IE for webmail and banking because of lazy coders who don't write proper html.