Topic: AAAAH! toolbar virus/scam

[return of the mac]

Somebody please help- my computer has spyware that wont let me remove toolbars- its also installed one (toolbar) trying to sell me dubious products and ironically antivirus software. When i remove it with the spyware software i have it just comes back >:( :'(. Anyone clever or experienced enough to help.

[Palustris]

I use Lavasoft's Ad-aware and Spyblaster, both free downloads. Plus also Spybot. Google them!

[gavin]

Or try the links on http://www.keirg.freeserve.co.uk/downloads/default.htm - it avoids trawling through all the scam merchants who use similar names (b*st*rds).

Some of these hijackers are particularly nasty - and the protection stuff is always some way behind them.  If Lavasoft Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D don't clear the problem (and if you've a new one, they may not), drop me a PM and I'll see what I can suggest. 

With an extended family of people who won't listen, AND their neighbours, AND their friends - hmm, I'm learning an awful lot I didn't really want to know!

All best ---- and good luck, Gavin

PS They are beatable!  Just don't accept their offers of spyware protection ;D

[Yellow Petals]

Some of them are a real b*gger to get rid of.  A venture into setup (at the start up of your puter when you turn on or reboot) and removing them manually is sometimes the only way.

[return of the mac]

Thanks for the help guys- the virus and spyware detectors didnt work (detected it but didnt remove it), so i formatted the hard drive and have spent the last two nights arming my computer with all the updates i can find, and of course reinstalling software.
Lessons learned:-
1. Protect my comp with up to date virusware and updates
2. DONT INSTALL TOOLBARS!!! EVER (theyre useless anyway)
3. Given the choice of websurfing or lottie- lottie ALWAYS comes first (unless im chatting to you :D)
Cheers,
John

[Marianne]

I don't download anything.  That way, no virus can get through.  I tend to use the same sites, i.e. Yahoo for mail only, A4A, Google, Ebay but only for basic tasks.

We also have spyware and virus check which is very important nowadays.
Happy and safe surfing everyone!
 ;D

[return of the mac]

Using the big websites is the problem though because they make themselves targets through success and popularity.

[Yellow Petals]

Using the big websites is the problem though because they make themselves targets through success and popularity.

Indeed they do and also, web-based email accounts such as hotmail, yahoo etc., are also targets.

[the_snail]

A good tip for removing viruses and spyware. Scan in safe mode and then remove from there! It works!

[spikey]

when removing spyware this should be done in SAFE mode without networking.And if u find u have the ELITE TOOL bar ur spyware remover wont remove it, u will have to download there remover from there site.When u run ur spyware remover dont forget to do a virus scan after, while in safe mode

[Roy Bham UK]

 :) Sounds good info but how do I get into "Safe Mode"? and what is an "Elite" Tool Bar? ;D
BTW Welcome Spikey ;D

[mrthicket]

Try Microsoft Antispy, its free from the microsoft site and it works really well.
I presume you have an up to date virus checker and firewall ?

[spikey]

to get into safe mode roy u need to press the F8 when u switch ur pc on (when u see all the funny text....lol),then u will see a text based menu straight forward really when u get there
 the ELITE tool bar is a standed spyware tool bar made by elite add software company,this company is the dogs danglies when it comes to spyware it adds numerous add ware spyware porn etc with there diallers   

[Roy Bham UK]

 ;) Thanks Spikey ;D