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Miscellaneous Forums => Scripting and Reverse Engineering => Topic started by: Sephiroth2000 on 2003-12-30 04:28:22

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Sephiroth2000 on 2003-12-30 04:28:22

Hey guys, i've got this problem with my computer. This search bar has just been somehow downloaded onto my computer(i think it's through another download)and i can't get rid of it. Any ideas?
Sephiroth2000

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Smurgen on 2003-12-30 08:16:17

Adaware

http://www.lavasoft.nu/

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Cool Newbie on 2003-12-30 19:42:26

yup adware usually does, the trick, i just don't understand how so many get on the computer i'm usually very careful when installing stuff, spyware should be made illegal and stupid virus scanner don't even remove them, spyware should be something that virus scanners should also remove, as they remove trojans so why not spyware! :-?

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Aaron on 2003-12-30 22:23:34

Well since spyware doesn't really harm your computer (even though it can be really annoying, violate privacy, send information behind your back, and show you pop-up ads), virus scanners don't detect it currently.  You should be careful what you install -- P2P apps (including the extremely popular "Kazaa"), "performance boost" apps, and other things people would think are nifty like toolbars, smilys for Outlook and so on often come with spyware.  It's become a pretty big problem in the last year or so and it's gonna get worse before it gets better.

As far as getting rid of the stuff, I kinda prefer Spybot: Search & Destroy (http://download.com.com/3000-2144-10194058.html?tag=lst-0-2) to Ad-aware.  You might also want to try that...

Anyway, for a search bar that's actually useful, you might like the Google Toolbar (http://toolbar.google.com/) for Internet Explorer.  Not only does it give you convenient access to a Google search, but it blocks pop-ups (and is free)!  Has some other options too.  (Screen shot (http://aaronserv.dyndns.org/!!stuff/qhimm/googlebar.png))

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Sukaeto on 2003-12-31 09:41:27

I recommend using both Ad-Aware AND Spybot.  Run them every week or so, alternating which one you use first.  You could also try Pest Patrol (http://www.safersite.com/) in unison with Spybot and Ad-Aware . . . I haven't tried it yet myself, but I've heard good things about it.


---edit---

Upon further inspection, it looks like you have to pay for updates for Pest Patrol after a year.

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Caddberry on 2003-12-31 18:42:30

I personally think spybot is great.. It's the only one i use.. also i know this isnt a virus thread, but you may want to get your computer scanned FREE.. here (http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp)... a lot of things have gotten past my virus scanner, and i use symantecs corporate 8.1 i think.. might be of use to check it out..

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Aaron on 2003-12-31 18:44:59

I also use Symantec Corp. 8.1, and I've found it to be quite good at catching everything.  I used to be using version 7.6, and it wasn't as good...

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Jedimark on 2004-01-01 08:58:58

It could be the lop.com search bar. If you have that it's a pain in the ass to get rid of. Apparently this tool will get rid of it for you:

http://lop.com/toolbar_uninstall.exe

It didnt work on my brothers computer though. I had to manually get rid of it by manually un-registering certain .dll files. There are walkthroughs on the web....

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Skillster/RedSarg99 on 2004-01-01 10:46:18

ah lop.com
that is the culprit for planting so much Sh*t onto computers without authority,

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Jedimark on 2004-01-02 19:49:12

MsgPlus! being the main spreader of it IME.

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Caddberry on 2004-01-02 20:01:56

IME? in my explanation?

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Skillster/RedSarg99 on 2004-01-04 01:03:44

Experience Caddberyy

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Caddberry on 2004-01-05 17:17:58

Ah! ok Thanks!

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Lieron on 2004-01-05 23:46:29

anyone have the thing where your homepage will switch without you knowing to something else?

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Caddberry on 2004-01-06 04:35:15

Thats really common, and happens a lot to me at my job.. (working at a library where people surf the internet all day and i am the computer help guy) Usually its extra bad with porn pages.. but that can happen, and it sucks cuz i dont have admin privelages to fix it.. but it is easy to fix.. i am sure you know how already.. LoL

Title: Spyware?
Post by: Lieron on 2004-01-07 01:27:02

well (it happens at home) it just kinda.. happens lol