Malicious code?? Ceres pop-ups and Lycos SideSearch

[Guest]

Anyone know how to get rid of whatever program is causing these %$#@? "Ceres"
pop-ups that come up every time I open a new page? They're for various
products, but they always have a "Ceres" heading. Also, about the same time
those started, we started getting a "Lycos" SideSearch come up everytime we
do a search in Yahoo!, etc. They're both incredibly frustrating! Any help?
Thanks!

--Collin

 

[Guest]

It sounds like you have picked up at least one spyware program. There are
different free spyware programs that you can pull down from the web. One that
I liked was AdWare. It is not the full version but will allow you to
eliminate any spyware programs on your computer. I am using McAfee's Spyware
and after loading it found several programs flagged as spyware. Once I
removed those programs the problems of going to different places stopped.

 

[Guest]

It sounds like you have picked up at least one spyware program. There are
different free spyware programs that you can pull down from the web. One that
I liked was AdWare. It is not the full version but will allow you to
eliminate any spyware programs on your computer. I am using McAfee's Spyware
and after loading it found several programs flagged as spyware. Once I
removed those programs the problems of going to different places stopped.

 

[Guest]

OK so I got rid of the ceres stuff. How do I get my search on the toolbar to
work again?

 

[Guest]

Dear Folks:

There are several other anti-spyware programs downloadable for free as
shareware, or provided at no cost to homes for personal use.

I have used Ad-aware (its proper name) for several years and recommend its
current version, 6.0; however, this software misses some spyware and lacks a
few functions that others provide (but may be included in a fully licensed
purchased version. I just don't know, to be fair...)

Therefore: locate and download these programs: Spybot Search and Destroy;
Hijack This; Spyware Blaster; and Pest Patrol. I, also, am using a trial
version of "Trojan Remover" with success thus far; and have used AVG free as
an anti-viral for over a year and do recommend its use.

ZoneAlarm Free is a good firewall; and Diskeeper Lite is a "must have" for
defragging your system and keeping it running smoothly.

While drafting this post I came across an Antispyware (beta) program offered
by Microsoft and downloaded it but I have no experience with it or opinion to
offer.

I am, currently, trying to resolve a new problem with cascading pop ups
(about 50 windows opening from my IE 6.0 browser with "no page available"
comments...) , which is the reason that I stopped by here, originally; that
is, to see if anyone else was having similar difficulties. I may just need
to reinstall a PopUp Blocker and will post, again, when, and if , I am able
to prevail on this issue...or, otherwise, anyone, please, post, if you can
help?

Intel Pentium 4; 3.0 ghz; HT; 800 FSB; Intel motherboard w/onboard video
graphics and AC97 audio; 512 MB Ram (Kingston Valueram); dual HD's: 60 and
90 gig Hitachis 7200 rpm; 300 Watt PS; standard peripherals dvd, cd, A
drive; XP
sp 1; IE 6.x browser; and DSL: running 24 hours/ day for several years w/o
any downtime.

Thanks for your help and good luck to all.

-yawni-

 

[Guest]

P.S.

To avoid downloading bogus, malicious, and misleading copycat software when
trying to locate the anti- spyware programs which I recommended, previously,
goto "refdesk.com" and search their site for the "antispyware" section and
lists of programs rated and available for use; and/or check out Spyware
Warrior for a comprehensive list of good and bad outfits on the net.

Good luck (but use common sense...) -yawni-