Reporting pop-up ads to Microsoft?

[History Fan]

I'm using IE 6 SP2 and have the pop-up blocker enabled. I'd say the
blocker does a decent job, but there are still ads that get thru from
time-to-time. Is there a link where I can report which ads get thru to
Microsoft? I was hoping they would want this type of feedback so that the
pop-up blocking with the upcoming IE 7 would be stronger. One of the most
persistent and annoying ads is titled..."AdultFriendFinder.com."

 

[Jan Il]

Hi History Fan

The popups you are getting are likely caused a hijacker and/or malware on
your system, and not a bug in the program. 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:

WARNING>>>> 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/
and About Buster, which searches for hidden .dlls that recreate the malware.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4289.html
Then visit these two sites to test for parasites and help basic cleaning:
On-Line Check
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm
and
Quick-Fix Protocol.
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php
Basically, throw everything here at your "infection".

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
AdAware Tutorial -
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=48
SpyBot S &D - Update immediately after installing
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html
SpyBot S&D Tutorial -
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=43
Microsoft Windows Antispyware Program (Beta)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

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

Download, install, and run HiJackThis - it is one of the most important
tools to help clean your system of scumware. Follow the instructions
carefully:

How to download and install HiJackThis: (it does not need to be updated)
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topict309.html

Please DO NOT post your log to this newsgroup. It is important that you go
to one of the HiJackThis Support Forums below:
CastleCops HiJackThis Forum
http://castlecops.com/f67-Hijackthis_Spyware_Viruses_Worms_Trojans_Oh_My.html
or Bleeping Computer HiJackThis Forum
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
to allow the program experts there to evaluate your log and advise you of
any
necessary steps to clean your system.
(Note: Look for and read the "Important- Read This First" messages in the
sections for HiJackThis logs so that you follow proper procedure. You will
have to Register before posting on these Forums. Please follow all posting
instructions carefully to avoid having your log deleted or ignored.)

Also, please post a link to the forum where you post your HJT log back to
this thread so that we can follow your progress there.

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 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 are 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

 

[N. Miller]

I'm using IE 6 SP2 and have the pop-up blocker enabled. I'd say the
blocker does a decent job, but there are still ads that get thru from
time-to-time. Is there a link where I can report which ads get thru to
Microsoft? I was hoping they would want this type of feedback so that the
pop-up blocking with the upcoming IE 7 would be stronger. One of the most
persistent and annoying ads is titled..."AdultFriendFinder.com."

Does the title bar say, "Messenger Service"?

 

[History Fan]

Does the title bar say, "Messenger Service"?
No, I don't believe so. It's just an ordinary pop-up ad.

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Norman

Does the title bar say, "Messenger Service"?

Possibly. Check the information here:
http://www.stopmessengerspam.com/

/quote/
This new form of messenger spam is considered by some worse that email spam.
That's because to receive a messenger spam you don't need to have an email
account, chat client, or Web browser. All you need in order to be spammed is
Windows XP, 2000, or NT and an Internet connection.

The software utilizes Microsoft Windows Messenger Service, which is turned
on by default (on WinNT, 2000, and XP systems) and used by administrators to
send messages to users on the network. This is different from the MSN
Messenger instant message software. /end quote/

also...

Messenger Service window that contains an Internet advertisement appears
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q330904
and...
http://www.updatexp.com/messenger_service_spam.html

Disabling Messenger Service in Windows XP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/learnmore/stopspam.mspx

and here....

Are you fully updated....

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-043
Buffer Overrun in Messenger Service Could Allow Code Execution (828035)
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS03-043.mspx

Hope this helps.

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

Replies are 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 love the way MVPs claim it's spyware or malware when in fact it's a work
around the spammers developed. One version uses the Macrovision Flash player.
Anyway, go to this link >> http://www.dead-eye.net/WinXP Services.htm and
follow Black Viper's instructions to turn off or set to manual all of the
default automatics that MS thinks you need but only cause problems.