multiple problems when clicking links

[maggie]

Hi, I did a search, but wasn't quite coming up with what I'm looking
for. Here are the issues I'm having (and BTW, I currently run adaware
and spybot regularly):

1) When I click on a link, instead of the browser going to that page,
the URL changes to some sort of ad crap. It's not an actual pop-up,
but the browser just sits there with some different URL, with related
words from the site I originally clicked from - looks like this:
http://www.ads234.com/adView.aspx?r...h_key=Waterston,%20Sam&mac=e8201ae3&Segment=1


Most of the time I can't get rid of it. I click 'back' and try to
click the link again, but get the same weird URL. What is that and how
do I stop IE from doing that?

2) I have not changed my java settings, but all of a sudded some
websites simply don't work. I disable my pop-up blocker, and when I
click on a image that is supposed to open in another window, nothing
happens. Similarly (I think) when I go to weather.com, and click for
the detail during the day, I get some weird message about my java
settings. Never used to happen before. What could change it if I
haven't even touched the settings?


Help is much appreciated, thanks.

mags

 

[Altrüs]

Hi,

This problem is usually the result of SpyWare infection.

These programs are designed to 'hijack' your browser session
and direct your to pay websites where they earn money per
click. These programs are usually hard to get rid of, and
therefore it's in your interest to look at programs designed
to make removal of these programs a snap.

However, first we'll try to secure your browser.

Let's start by disabling Browser Helper Objects (BHO's), as
they may be causing some of these problems.

To do this;

Open Internet Explorer.

Click on Tools -> Internet Options

Click on the Advanced Tab.

Under the 'Browsing' section, uncheck the box named, "Enable
third-party browser extensions (requires restart)".

Restart the computer.

Now, we'll remove any such objects which may have installed
themselves on your system. This is best done by a program
called BHOCop. It, along with the rest of the programs, are
freely available. You can download BHOcop, and view an
introduction to it, from the following site:

http://support.honour.ca/bin/bhocop.zip

Once you download the file, run it, and install the program.
Then remove all objects you find that you are not familiar
with.

We'll now have you download some programs which shall aid
you in the actual removal of spyware programs which may be
running (and causing these problems).

First, download AdAware. This is an excellent program which
detects and deletes spyware, and other malware programs.
AdAware is available from:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/

After downloading and installing AdAware, *be sure to update
it*. This will ensure you are protected against the latest
threats. Then, run it.

Some versions can be particularly malicious - removing them
can cause you to lose your internet connection. Therefore,
we'll download the next two programs as precautionary
measures. If, after running these programs, you are unable
to connect to the internet, you may need to run these
programs to fix the connection.

They are available here:

http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm

and

http://www.tacktech.com/pub/winsockfix/WinsockFix.zip

Directions for the last program can be found here:
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=257

Note: You'll only need to run these programs in the event
that removal of the evil programs causes some good
components to break. Otherwise, you can safely continue:

Next, we'll get CWShredder. This neat program catches
variants which may have been missed by AdAware. CWShredder
is available from:

http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/cwshredder.zip

Once again, be sure to update it to ensure the latest threat
protection.

Lastly, you may find it necessary to rename your HOSTS file.
This step is used if you find yourself unable to connect to
specific sites. Instructions can be found here:
http://support.honour.ca/ldbh.solutions.php#blockers

The above procedures should help you remove these programs
and return your computer to a functional state.


More information about Adware and Spyware is available here:

http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm


Best regards,

Altrus



: Hi, I did a search, but wasn't quite coming up with what
I'm looking
: for. Here are the issues I'm having (and BTW, I currently
run adaware
: and spybot regularly):
:
: 1) When I click on a link, instead of the browser going to
that page,
: the URL changes to some sort of ad crap. It's not an
actual pop-up,
: but the browser just sits there with some different URL,
with related
: words from the site I originally clicked from - looks like
this:
:
http://www.ads234.com/adView.aspx?r...h_key=Waterston,%20Sam&mac=e8201ae3&Segment=1
:
:
: Most of the time I can't get rid of it. I click 'back'
and try to
: click the link again, but get the same weird URL. What is
that and how
: do I stop IE from doing that?
:
: 2) I have not changed my java settings, but all of a
sudded some
: websites simply don't work. I disable my pop-up blocker,
and when I
: click on a image that is supposed to open in another
window, nothing
: happens. Similarly (I think) when I go to weather.com,
and click for
: the detail during the day, I get some weird message about
my java
: settings. Never used to happen before. What could change
it if I
: haven't even touched the settings?
:
:
: Help is much appreciated, thanks.
:
: mags