address bar search, google<> yahoo

[bumtracks]

xp home, ie ,, all current updates.
Address bar searches for a single word will go to Google
Address bar searches for two or more words go to Yahoo

Address bar search preferences are set to & desired solely from Yahoo.

I can't yet find how to stop it. Main problem is when that sporadically
starts to happen, from then on hosts file seems to be bypassed. I
frequently use a few keywords for local LAN HOSTS example;
192.168.0.2 router and once it goes to google I'm screwed
until tomorrow's boot it seems.

Suggestions to fix this adware/spyware like behavior ?
I have run & normally do scan with
adaware, ewido, OneCare virus/firewall.
thanks.

 

[Jan Il]

Hi bumtracks

You may have a hijacker, or other sort of malware on your system causing
this behavior. While scanning with AdAware, SpyBot, and the others you
named is a good practice, but, be aware, your Anti-Virus won't detect all
types of warez, Trojans, worms, etc. So even if you run it, and nothing
shows up, it does not mean your system is clean. It takes a series of
programs, used under the proper conditions, to fully clean your machine.
Follow the information here to make sure that your system if fully rid of
any hijackers:

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

also...

Download and install HiJackThis. This step is one of the most important.
Follow all instructions carefully. This prograrm should be run in Normal
mode.

How to download and install HiJackThis: Win 98-XP
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 DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING. Go to the HiJackThis Support
Forum below, post your log after following the pre-posting instructions
posted there,
AumHa HiJackThis Forum
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30
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.

Hope this helps.

Jan
MS MVP - IE [DTS/AumHa]
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that's why they're so contagious.

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