Major Spyware Problem!

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I’m having a pretty major malware problem at the moment – something that’s actually hurting me emotionally because I feel embarrassed that I cannot handle it myself. I’ve tried a number of utilities to remove it, and they’ve removed countless traces of spyware, but I still can’t seem to rid myself of one problem. Whenever I’m using firefox to browse the web, it occasionally sends me to a webpage. The webpage differs, and many times the links are broken, but they are always apparently redirected through drdirect.com. Has anyone any information on such a problem and is there anything I can do? Should I start using a different browser? Should I give it up and format my harddrive? Thanks so much!

- John

Don't be embarrassed. Have you tried Spybot-S&D? Install it and download all the updates. Run a search and immunize. See if that solves your problems.

Spybot

Thank you for helping me!

S&D was one of the first programs I tried. It found over 100 traces, but the problem still exists.

Would System Restore be an unwise decision?

Also, should I try Malewarebytes' Anti-Malware? I've never heard of that problem until today really.

System restore does wonders for undoing the privilege problems that most viruses exploit. Try to restore back to a point where you didn't have the problems. Stick with Firefox, its not as vulnerable as IE, plus there are add-ons you can download for additional security. I also recommend downloading AVG after you've cleared most of the spyware off as its done me miracles. Keep it updated and scan regularly if you use the internet a lot. And last but no least, create a NON admin account for web browsing. Set it with the lowest privileges possible.

Furthermore, you have to run MSCONFIG and turn off all Malware that autostarts when you boot your system. To find out what to turn off, and what not to turn off, go here

Ah, so I should try system restore? Thanks.

Anyone familiar with this one specifically? The last time I had a similar problem I was able to hand remove it.

Do you image your HDD regularly? I ask because my suggestion is much easier if you do.

I say copy off your personal files, Boot and Nuke the HDD, and reinstall the system. I know these spyware program fixes are supposed to do the job, but for the time and effort people seem to put out getting rid of a problem, I could just copy, nuke the HDD, and restore an older image a lot faster and KNOW I got the problem licked. From there it's just restore my files and update the OS, etc.

I have not been lately, though I probably will ultimately do just that if I can't get anything else going. It wouldn't take more than a day to get my computer up and running normally again I don't think.

The other one I use is Ad Aware.
Adware

Removes a lot of crap.
SmitfraudFix

Yeah, go to MSCONFIG and deselect the malware from running.

According to the A+ official, after trying some "basic" stuff. The recommended is to re-install. Sometimes I feel the A+ is for the enthusiast rather than professional. I only do a reinstall as a last resort.

Here are a couple of antivirus places that do online scans you could try.

Panda and Trend.

Hijack This can be useful but must be used carefully.

That would mean that you waste a considerable amount of your time, trying to repair broken software, and still ending up with a shaky system, when Windows re-installation is the only thing that will really do any good.

Back-Up your files. Download the Ultimate Boot CD .iso file off the net. Then burn the .iso image to CD using Nero or Roxio.

Then place the burnt CD in the drive and run Dariks Boot and Nuke to wipe the drive.

Then reinstall Windows. Put the free version of ZoneAlarm on your system as well as Avast Antivirus Home. Then install Spybot for the spyware. Great way to secure WIndows PC's.

I found a site called 'computer cops', which I was able to make major strides against 'cool web search'...

however, I eventually had to reformat my machine.

Just 5 minutes with a ball-peen hammer and that program's author's fingers...it's all I ask...>:(

Do you mean the scanners you used can detect the malware but not clean them thoroughly? Do they list the name of the threat(s)? It would give us a better idea of what you are facing.

As a general rule, cleaning the computer on the same infested OS will be difficult. You need to boot from some other source to do it properly. You can use a livecd (but you need to get those av programs on it) or another computer (be careful not to infest that one too).

Not always, I have fixed many problems this way. I have the ability to resolve problems "virtually" I don't need to be there, but a few minutes and I can go through scenarios and choose the correct one that WILL work. Therefore saving hours and hours of playing around. Windows re-installation can take 2-3 hours which is something I do not want to do, especially if any discs are screwed up and won't play ball. My original copy of XP got screwed, so I copied my brother's CD. I had a few problems with that.

The official way is to "format" thus losing the users settings, I don't like losing settings myself, so I presume the person does not either. So I work hard to keep them - regardless.

If a headgasket is blown, many people will replace the engine. The engine they replace it with could be worse than the one already there. With the original engine, all mounts, cables, etc are set. It can take a couple hours to do it. But with a new engine, the mounts have to be aligned properly which no-one I know of-does.

I've fixed many problems where the "only" solution calls for a "reinstall"

ie. Can I keep my files if I want to use NTFS? (from FAT32)
no
- I laugh...
Can I keep my files if I want to use FAT32 (from NTFS)
no
- I laugh (again)