address bar changes to http:///?%20

[Guest]

When I search from the address bar something changes the search field,adding
/?%20 to all searchs. Then page comes back can't be found. Example I'm
searching for dogs,I'll type dogs in address bar. It will change to
http:///? dogs and page could not be found comes up. I did have adware
troubles which I think started the problem. I used Microsoft antispyware but
it doesn't seem to take everything out. Can anybody offer any help?
Thanks................

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Linda

You likely have a hijacker and/or malware on your system. In addition to
updating and running your AV, download, install and run the programs below
in Safe Mode with Hidden Files enabled. This will remove the nasty you
have and any others it may have let in the back door. Some malware can
replicate itself repeatedly if not removed properly, so even if you have run
some of the programs listed here, it is important that you run them again
according to the information below so that Windows is not operating to hide
any files 'in use' Follow all instructions carefully:

First, Clear the TIF's and empty the recycle bin:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm

Also…empty your Recycle bin.

Then do the following:

CAUTION>>>> Backup all documents and files before removing any spyware!!

Most importantly, download install and run CWShredder here
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
or here
http://www.trendmicro.com/cwshredder/

Then download, install and immediately update these three programs before
running:
AdAware SE - Update immediately after installing
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button
SpyBot S &D - Update immediately after installing
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html
Microsoft Windows Antispyware Program (Beta)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Then visit these sites (if possible) to test for parasites and help with
basic cleaning:
On-Line Check
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm
and
Quick-Fix Protocol.
Http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
Next, do an Online scan here (if possible) -
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/activescan_principal.htm
Make sure that you choose "fix" or "clean".

Download Pocket Killbox from
http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/files/killbox.exe
and put it on the desktop where you can find it easily, if needed.

Download and install HiJackThis. This step is one of the most important.
Follow all instructions carefully.

How to download and install HiJackThis: Win 98-XP
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topict309.html
or
http://www.download.com/HijackThis/3000-8022_4-10227353.html

Please DO NOT post your log HiJackThis log to this newsgroup. It is
important that you go to one of the HiJackThis Support Forums below and
allow the experts there to analyze it for you.:
http://www.hijackthis.de/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=10&guestlanguageid=4
AumHa HiJackThis Forum
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30
or Bleeping Computer Forum
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
to allow the experts there to evaluate your log and advise you of any
necessary steps to clean your system.
(Note: You will have to Register before posting on these Forums. Please
follow all posting instructions carefully to avoid having your log deleted
or ignored.

CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.

You should also get a copy of WINSOCKXPFIX to have at hand if needed,
available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
and
WinsockXP Fix- WinXP
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
with instructions, at
http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm
also... From LavaSoft- all versions of Windows-
http://digital-solutions.co.uk/lavasoft/whndnfix.zip
(NOTE: It is reported that in XP SP2, the command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs.)
or Winsock Fix Utility
http://www.dfwonline.net/files/WinsockFix.zip

How to Restart in Safe Mode
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406

How to Show Hidden Files
http://snipurl.com/6rl8

Hope this helps.

Jan
MS MVP - IE/OE
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Replies posted only to the newsgroup for the benefit or other readers.
How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

 

[Guest]

Thanks again for all the info,but I have one more question. How do I fix the
search problem with my address bar?

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Linda

Thanks again for all the info,but I have one more question. How do I fix
the
search problem with my address bar?

Clean the scumware off your machine. I provided the tools...it's up to you
to use them, or not. .

Jan
MS MVP - IE/OE
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Replies posted only to the newsgroup for the benefit or other readers.
How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

 

[Guest]

I removed the scumware but still can't search from the address bar.

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Linda

I removed the scumware but still can't search from the address bar.

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Linda

Try the following and see if it helps:

Restore default Search functions:

In order to restore you default Search functions, download and run the
program below. You will have to redo any customized features you may have
added afterward.
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/RestoreSearch2.REG

Download the fix - Reset Search:
http://www.spywareinfo.com/downloads/tools/IEFIX.reg
This will restore your default Search functionality. However, if you had
any custom adjustments you have made will have to re-select them.

If still no joy......

How To Repair Windows 2000

Windows 2000 step by step repair instructions:
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/install/win2k/repairw2k/page1.htm

How to perform an "in place upgrade" or system repair.
http://www.techspot.com/vb/showthread.php?threadid=8356

Difference between Manual and Fast repair
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=238359
You will need to uninstall any post IE6-SP1 Win2K SPs before you
uninstall/reinstall IE. You will also have to go to the Windows Update and
reinstall all the necessary updates after the reinstall.

Hope this helps.

Jan
MS MVP - IE/OE
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Replies posted only to the newsgroup for the benefit or other readers.
How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

 

[Guest]

You've been great, I'll keep working at it .Thanks so much for your help......

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Linda

You've been great, I'll keep working at it .Thanks so much for your
help......

You're very welcome!

Jan
MS MVP - IE/OE
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.