Default Settings for my Browser

[Walter]

Every time I shut down now, when I restart the computer
the browser goes to www.websearch.net, which looks like a
commercial page not associated with msn, instead of going
to msn.ca, even after I have reset the settings back to
the default web ssettings which is msn.ca. Is microsoft
doing this or do I have a virus/worm that is making my
computer do this? How do I fix this problem?

 

[war17]

Your homepage has been highjacked.

1. Use the following scanners to find and remove the website.

SpyBot S&D searches your harddisk for so-called spy- or adbots;
http://security.kolla.de/
or
Adaware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
or
CWShredder
http://www.spychecker.com/program/cwshredder.html

2. Some porn websites redirects links to their websites using your HOSTS
file. Do a search for the HOSTS (without extension) file and remove the
entry.

3. If still no joy, download HijackThis from Spywareinfo download page

http://www.spywareinfo.com/downloads.php

Run the program and you will find many entries. Most are OK. Post the log. I
will find the problem for you.

4. For future preventive maintenance, make sure programs cannot just
download on your computer without your permission. From the Internet
Toolbar, go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced. Make sure "Enable
Install On Demand (Internet Explorer)" and "Enable Install On Demand
(Other)" are unchecked.

 

[Ramesh [MVP]]

This is caused by parasites.

Homepage changes unexpectedly:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/IEFAQ.htm

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k
-------------------------------------------
Virus attachment claims to contain software updates from Microsoft
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/VirusAlert.htm

About Firewalls - Windows XP ICF:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/firewall.htm

How to block Pop-ups?:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Popups.htm
-------------------------------------------


Every time I shut down now, when I restart the computer
the browser goes to www.websearch.net, which looks like a
commercial page not associated with msn, instead of going
to msn.ca, even after I have reset the settings back to
the default web ssettings which is msn.ca. Is microsoft
doing this or do I have a virus/worm that is making my
computer do this? How do I fix this problem?

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP IE/OE]

Every time I shut down now, when I restart the computer
the browser goes to www.websearch.net, which looks like a
commercial page not associated with msn, instead of going
to msn.ca, even after I have reset the settings back to
the default web ssettings which is msn.ca. Is microsoft
doing this or do I have a virus/worm that is making my
computer do this? How do I fix this problem?

First eliminate any scumware.
See
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware, Parasites, Toolbars and Search Engines
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

Note that AdAware and SpyBot S & D will each catch some things the other
won't. Also, each need to be updated before every use, even when just
downloaded. There's also a lot more to do than just those two programs.

If trying everything at that site does not fix the problem please post back
in the same thread.

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP IE/OE
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Reply to Newsgroup. I won't answer email
Protect Your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/