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Internet Explorer Problem

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by patrick

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I downloaded a program some weeks ago (I can't remember what it was) and since then Internet Explorer opens with a strange search engine (I think it is "Search for...") and then a pop-up appears telling me I have spyware on my machine and should get one of the various spyware programs. I eventually downloaded one program, but it did not fix the problem. I always set both IE and Netscape to blank, but IE continues to open Search for... How do I restore my IE to get rid of this?

8 replies

by cptomlly

I would recommend downloading and running AdAware from lavasoftusa.com. The basic version is free, and its very effective in removing spyware and browser hijacks. After you download and install the software, run the pattern update before scanning the machine.

We might be able to help you with manual removal if you can post the exact name and/or url of the new homepage.

by tabcomputers2002

In addition to Ad-aware, you could also run Spybot Search and Destroy. Both program are available on Download.com, also, both are free. Consider running HIJACKTHIS, and post the results here. Your home page could be being directed to the search page. Also let us know what search page you go to. There are a few unistall program available for specific search bars.

Good luck
Tim

by jeromey

I got CoolWebSearch somehow. Ad-aware found it and removed it, but every time i reopened IE, CoolWebSearch rebuilt itself as a new executable. I finally had to take drastic measures.

I ran Ad-Aware and cleaned out all running services. I then verified the files were gone.

I then ran "sfc /scannow". SFC is System File Checker. Very good utility. Read up on it if you have time. Running SFC actually repaired IE so that CoolWebSearch no longer rebuilt itself when IE started.

by patrick

I run Spybot Search & Destroy, Ad-aware 6.0, Spyware Nuker 2004 and CWShredder, but the Browser Hijacker still rebuilds itself. In the end, I switched to Mozilla, and only use IE as the non-default browser. Since switching to Mozilla as my default browser, the hijacker has not reappeared on IE. Where do I get sfc/scannow from? Is it easy to use?

by don77

CWS can be a real pest,
Aside from seeing whats running on your system via a HJT log,
I wouldsuggest going here http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/c.bennett03/moboswindowclinic.html
Click on Stinger in the bottom left corner let it run, next reboot to safe mode run CWS, Ad-aware, and Spybot, (those downloads also available at the site above) Restart your computer and run one of the free online virus scans, resan with CWS, Ad-aware, and spybot again, reboot your computer,

by jay_y

Same issue at work, co-worker. Pop-ups with "I" international "I" info sysmbol in icon tool bar. Says press here to get rid of spyware. Ran Sysbot / Adaware / McAfee full scan, no luck. Tried to uninstall IE, no change.
Person editing web pages, needed to preview and launched IE. After a couple seconds IE and the appl. crashed, loosing the work.
Don't see any activity in Task Manager.
Firefox doesn't display some graphics, not an option to change browser.
Will check back and post more as this evolves.
Thanks

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