Does this look infected to you???

[Rooster_Ties]

Hey gang,

For about the last month, about once or twice a week my PC has been resetting my default homepage (meaning the page that comes up when I launch Internet Explorer, version 6.0.2800.1106). Instead of my usual "Road Runner" page (which is my ISP), I get THIS page instead. AND, at the same time, I suddenly have a dozen or more new folders in my "My Favorites" dropdown list, each with 6 or 8 links to sites for every topic you can think of -- plus a dozen new links at the root level.

Does that maybe sound like I've got some Spyware on my PC??? I've got a decent firewall (ZoneAlarm 3.7.098, by ZoneLabs - the 'free' version), and my virus protection is NortonAntirus2001, version 7.07.23D - and I update the virus definitions pretty regularly, like once a week, or at least once every two weeks. (And I'm running Windows ME.)

What can I do to check and see if I picked up something nasty somewhere??? (Probably from some questionable link I got from www.fark.com )

Thanks in advance, for any advice anyone can offer. Much appreciated!!!

-- Rooster T.

Edited December 6, 2003 by Rooster_Ties

[Big Wheel]

Most probably. I would download Ad-Aware and Spybot and let 'em do their thang. Even so, they might not wipe out everything--I've had some nagging problems with spyware these last couple of months.

[catesta]

RT, I had similar problems not too long ago.

Download the free version of Spybot Search and Destroy. You will be amazed at what it finds.

[Rooster_Ties]

Where can find 'Spybot Search and Destroy' and/or 'Ad-Aware'???

Thanks guys!!!

[Big Wheel]

Spybot: http://www.safer-networking.org/

Ad-aware: http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

[WD45]

What is your OS? I am more adept at some than others.

[Rooster_Ties]

Spybot: http://www.safer-networking.org/

Thanks!!!

Just got done running Spybot, and it found a WHOLE BUNCH of shit that needed fixing on my PC. After I let it do it's thing - now my PC runs noticeably faster, and I swear it even cleaned off the finger-smudges from my monitor!! Wow – THANKS EASTER BUNNY!!!!!

Seriously, thanks for the links and advice guys. Everything seems to be running much more betterer now. Much appreciated!!!

(Clinton - I’m running Windows ME, for what it’s worth.)

[Jim Alfredson]

(Clinton - I’m running Windows ME, for what it’s worth.)

I'm sorry.

[JSngry]

I run Ad-Aware regularly. Wouldn't dream of not doing so.

Is Spybot something to be used in conjunction with, or in place of, Ad-Aware?

[Jim Alfredson]

Use the two together. Ad-Aware can miss things that Spybot finds and vice-versa.

[Jazzmoose]

(Clinton - I’m running Windows ME, for what it’s worth.)

I'm sorry.

I also use Windows ME.

And of course, I also am sorry.

[JSngry]

Use the two together. Ad-Aware can miss things that Spybot finds and vice-versa.

Thanks. Will do.

[Jim Alfredson]

I also use Windows ME.

And of course, I also am sorry.

As you should be. Windows ME is the unholy bastard child of Windows 98 and Windows 2000. It's none of my business, but you should really consider upgrading to Windows XP.

[Dan Gould]

After reading the thread title, I'm just glad its not a picture of some poor schmoe's Johnson!

[Son-of-a-Weizen]

What about Aluria? Will that ID and zap spyware like 'Winshow' ? The others don't seem to do it.

[Chuck Nessa]

After reading the thread title, I'm just glad its not a picture of some poor schmoe's Johnson!

You have to go to the "Show yer face" thread to get the group's Johnson.