Redirects

[GSG]

I keep getting a ton of redirects when I'm browsing on my home laptop. My email also tried sending out a bunch of crap that all got returned. I'm planning on changing all my passwords tonight, but I need something to clean up what I'm suspecting is a lot of spyware. I have McAfee Anti-Virus, but it doesn't ever seem to clean anything up. Can anyone recommend a free or cheap anit-virus/spyware program that will actually do something?

[NU41SB]

There are a few out there. Personally I like to run Spybot Search and Destroy and Malwarebytes for spyware/adware. Also I run CCleaner for registry fixes. All of those have free versions.

[GSG]

I tried using Malwarebytes, but after the first time I used it, it would freeze up during the scan and give me an error message and just close.

[NU41SB]

Did you try running it in safe mode?

[GSG]

No I have not. Should I?

[NU41SB]

I would try that. I have worked on a few people's machines that have gotten some bad adware that would not even allow Malwarebytes to run. I would try running it in safe mode to see if that works better.

[Never Skerd']

it would be more helpful if you gave us some specs. Which operating system are you running? 98/Vista/7 ? Make sure your OS is up to date with Microsoft update. You can do this by -> start -> programs -> Windows update or google "windows update" and go to that website.

 

You said you have an anti-virus program. Make sure you have this updated also. If it isn't a full copy, I suggest using AVG anti-virus- free edition. Works great and saves you some money.

 

Spybot Search and Destroy is great. Just make sure it is updated and it should do the job itself.

 

Which Browser do you use? I suggest using FireFox - deleting your cookies and history can also help with speed. I have my browser setup to delete everything I do once the window is closed.

 

If your computer still not running faster, I would suggest a reboot. There are a couple ways to do this- the easiest would be going to start-> program-> accesories ->system tools -> system restore. I think most computers have a "restore to factory default settings" option. Make sure you save anything you want on a jump drive, or zip it and email it to yourself- because it will delete everything. If this isn't an option, see if you have any of the discs that came with the computer. There will be a recovery disc.

 

Hope this was helpful!

[GSG]

It's not so much speed, it's just when I click on links, I get sent to some random crap site about 35% of the time. Like I click a link on Sports Illustrated's website and it will send to some weird random site asking to virus scan my computer or to add something to my profile or a site for free bootleg dvd's etc. But I'll definitely keep your suggestions in mind. It probably wouldn't hurt to delete my cookies, I'm sure it's been a while.

[strigori]

Thats a browser hijacker. They don't get caught by antivirus, they qualify more as a trojan. I would try Hijackthis. You can remove the offending problems with it. But be careful what you pull out as you can remove stuff you don't want to alter.

[GSG]

Ok, I've used Spybot S&D, CCleaner, and Hijackthis. So far so good. Thanks for the info guys

[Never Skerd']

I forgot to mention, make sure there aren't any tool bars hijacking your searches example: Askbar WEBsearch. Yahoo is alright.