Constant Popups and redirecting... source unknown

[helix031]

everythings running smooth now... still got the outlook express lag though. how can i figure out if i have anything left on my system from google toolbar which is what every search i run seems to come up with as the source.

[Glaswegian]

Hi again

You mean Google Toolbar is causing a possible conflict with OE? Perhaps try a different e-mail client, like Thunderbird.

You would probably be best posting in the XP Forum if you still have a problem with that – you’ll receive better help there.

Your log is now clean. Any more problems? If not we’ll just tidy up and I’ll let you go, along with my recommendations for staying safe and secure.

You can go ahead and delete any special tools we used (SmitRem, SmitfraudFix, ComboFix, etc). They won't serve a future purpose and are replaced with updated versions frequently, so the copies you have are probably already out of date and there is therefore no need to keep them.



Reset Hidden/System Files
To reset your hidden and system files:

• Click Start.
• Open My Computer.
• Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
• Select the View tab.
• Deselect the Show hidden files and folders option.
• Select the Hide file extensions for known types option.
• Select the Hide protected operating system files option.
• Click Yes to confirm.
• Click OK.

System Restore
To turn off System Restore click Start > Right Click My Computer > Properties. Click the System Restore tab and Check "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on all drives" Click Apply. When turning off System Restore, the existing restore points will be deleted. Click Yes to do this then Click OK.

To turn on System Restore by Clicking Start. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties. Click the System Restore tab. Uncheck "Turn off System Restore" or "Turn off System Restore on all drives." Click Apply, and then OK.

This will create a new Restore Point.



Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs:

Spyware Blaster to help prevent spyware from installing in the first place.
Spyware Guard to catch and block spyware before it can execute.
Spybot - Search & Destroy with its TeaTimer option. This will provide realtime spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should also scan your computer with the program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here.


Ad-aware
Download and install Ad-Aware. You should use this program to scan your computer on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software in conjunction with Spybot. A tutorial on installing & using this product can be found here.


IE-SPYAD
IE-Spyad places more than 4000 dubious websites and domains in the IE Restricted list. This severely impairs attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads (Cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites. A tutorial on installing this product can be found here.


SnoopFree
SnoopFree is a real time monitor that notifies you when a programme wants to record your keystrokes or read your screen. Note that SnoopFree is only for XP systems.


MVPS Hosts File
The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one that will restrict known ad sites from serving you unsolicited advertisements. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is the IP of your local computer. Note that if you use a company provided HOSTS file you should not use the MVPS HOSTS file.


Alternate Browsers
Try the following free alternate browsers rather than Internet Explorer
Firefox
Opera
Maxthon


Firewalls
A good firewall will monitor incoming and outgoing traffic. NOTE: Microsoft's Firewall does not monitor outgoing traffic. If you do not have a firewall, here are 3 free ones available for personal use:
Comodo Personal Firewall
Sygate Personal Firewall
ZoneAlarm


Anti Virus Software
It is very important that you have anti-virus software running on your machine. This alone can save you a lot of trouble with malware in the future. See this link for a listing of some online antivirus scanners:
Anti-Spyware Tutorial

Here are three very good free Antivirus products which are available:
BitDefender Free
Avast!
AVG

It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.


Other Protection
Winpatrol - Download and install the free version of Winpatrol. A tutorial for this product is located here:
Using Winpatrol to protect your computer.


In light of your recent troubles, I'm sure you'll like to avoid any future infections. Please take a look at these well written articles

PC Safety & Security - What Do I Need?.
Making Internet Explorer Safer.

Keep clean and safe and enjoy your computing!

Please respond to this thread one more time so we can mark this thread as resolved.

[helix031]

thanks for your help.