Getting rid of annoyin pop-ups - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gilly · #1 01-01-2008, 04:20 PM

Hi all. I keep getting pop-ups, especially (or ONLY really) for different services that want to "clean" my computer of spyware, like ad-wareremover2007, etc. I think this is originates with the "zlob" cookie from what I've read about it. I have 2 good malware removers which stop the pop ups for maybe a day. I don't have any anti-virus protection installed like McAfee. I'm cheap. But is this what it's going to take to keep me from getting these types of pop-ups? Any other suggestions? I presently just have spybot and Ad-Ware to clean the computer up, but what would PREVENT these from getting there in the first place??
Thanks
Gilly

TheDon · #2 01-01-2008, 04:22 PM

Firefox much?

Jorn · #3 01-01-2008, 04:54 PM

Firefox my friend

speace · #4 01-01-2008, 05:21 PM

These trends change over time, but in my opinion, presently, Ad-Aware and SpyBot are good at detecting and pretty good at cleaning these things, but something like McAfee will help nab many of these things as they try to actually embed themselves in your computer.

Part of the trick with today's protection software is recognizing a legitimate piece of software vs a trojan. If something pops on your sreen and says your computer is infected, or your computer is not protected and that you need to "click here" to clean, or protect it, you can expect doing so will actually infect your computer instead.

Not long ago I was lured into installing something when I was researching something using Google. The web site I went to told me I needed to install a video codec to view the information on the site. When I did, my McAfee started warning me right and left. I then ran SpyBot and Ad-Aware and found that there was part of the torjan installed, but McAfee had saved me from the main 'bug' and my own stupidity.

Yes, it takes all of the above, and still you have to be on your toes!

300EVIL · #5 01-01-2008, 05:41 PM

Yep! Firefox and Ad-Aware is all you need.

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-2007-Free/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5

KarTek · #6 01-01-2008, 05:56 PM

When running Spygot S & D, don't forget to immunize after running scans. I'm running IE 6.something, Norton Internet security and S S&D and I don't have any problems.

DslBnz · #7 01-01-2008, 06:03 PM

What are pop-ups? Hmmm...

OH YEAH! Those things that accommodate themselves with frequent launchings of most versions of IE!

I haven't had a pop-up appear on my screen for 2 years. Firefox, AdAware, and Spy Sweeper remain readily available for as long as my system is powered up.

I would just reformat your hard drive, reinstall the OS, and never use IE again (maybe once, just to install Firefox).

Larry Delor · #8 01-01-2008, 07:15 PM

The pop up blocker that came from Yahoo (I think it came with the toolbar) works pretty good.

Gilly · #9 01-01-2008, 07:20 PM

Thanks everyone. I downloaded Firefox after cleaning up crap once AGAIN, will see how this works. I thought it would be a big change, like when I went from **HACK*** Windows ME to XP, but seems to work the same.
Gilly

rg2098 · #10 01-01-2008, 07:22 PM

If your concerned about malware, Microsoft includes Malicious Software Removal Tool on your system (or download it). Run a quick search on your machine for MRT.exe to see if you already have it.

aklim · #11 01-01-2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilly

Thanks everyone. I downloaded Firefox after cleaning up crap once AGAIN, will see how this works. I thought it would be a big change, like when I went from **HACK*** Windows ME to XP, but seems to work the same.
Gilly

A few days ago a wise man said Firefox. Can't remember who it was but I think his nickname is King Stud.

TheDon · #12 01-01-2008, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rg2098

If your concerned about malware, Microsoft includes Malicious Software Removal Tool on your system (or download it). Run a quick search on your machine for MRT.exe to see if you already have it.

all PC's(not mac or linux based) come preloaded with a virus.... its known as..

WINDOWS!!!

Gilly · #13 01-02-2008, 11:51 PM

Downloaded it and was good last night for about an hour, and this afternoon for an hour, now is worse than before. My desktop screen actually turned red and had a "bio-hazard" looking symbol which was telling me I needed a spyware program and my computer is infected. I went to the section of my computer that changes appearance things, (like screensavers and the background for your desktop), and even that didn't fix it. I ended going into the section where you can restore the computer to an earlier time, went back to yesterday before i added firefox, so that part is fixed. I'm sure it's just a matter of time befroe IE gives me back pop-up (although, gee it's been over 5 minutes and no pop-ups yet, hmmmmm. So no what, buy McAffee or something? I am ACTUALLY ready to throw money at this problem!!
Gilly

aklim · #14 01-02-2008, 11:54 PM

I don't think this is a Firefox issue. I think something contaminated your OS. Any critical documents? You might have to format and reinstall the OS. That biohazard screen is probably one of the warning things that pop up. How do you know it is from Firefix? I have never seen that happen with Firefox before.

Eskimo · #15 01-03-2008, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilly

My desktop screen actually turned red and had a "bio-hazard" looking symbol which was telling me I needed a spyware program and my computer is infected.

Did it look like this?