Adware removers aren't working...

[Derek]

Hello,
I recently installed MSN Messenger Plus! on my computer (big mistake) and it
installed a SEVERE load of adware. I've uninstalled it and have ran both
Ad-aware and another program called NoAdware. I've gotten rid of everything
they have listed but I still get these stupid popups. I know some program
is still hidden on my computer because I'm getting advertising popups when I
go to our web programs at work that are on the SERVER! My Adware programs
can't find anything else. Anyone have any ideas?

Derek

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Derek;
For Messenger Service ads:
You need to install or enable a firewall:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=330904
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
Disabling Messenger Service can be a good idea, but it does not solve
the real problem.
The ads are not the real problem, the ads are only a symptom.
The real problem is open ports that allow unwanted traffic into the
computer.
Disabling Messenger does nothing for the open ports.
The firewall controls the traffic.

Internet Connection Firewall will not work if you have AOL.
AOL is not compatible with Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall
(ICF)
If you have AOL, you should contact AOL and/or get a 3rd party
firewall:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/

Disable Messenger Service:
Start/Control Panel, click Administrative Tools, double click
Services.
Go down to "Messenger".
Right click "Messenger" and select Properties.
Then under Start-up select DISABLE
Click OK and follow prompts

Spyware may be your problem.
Check this link:
http://www.aumha.org/a/noads.php
Run Ad-Aware (free version) or Spybot to check for spyware:
http://www.lavasoft.de/
Or
http://spybot.eon.net.au/

For internet pop-ups, try one of these:
http://www.panicware.com/
http://www.bysoft.se/sureshot/stopthepop/index.html
http://www.popupbuster.com/PopUpBuster/
http://www.kolumbus.fi/eero.muhonen/FS/
http://www.endpopups.com/
http://www.adshield.org/

To protect the safety and security of your computer:
Install or enable a firewall IMMEDIATELY, before connecting to the
internet:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283673

Install ALL Critical Updates IMMEDIATELY.
Start/All Programs/Windows Update

Install an antivirus application
Update it weekly
Run it at least weekly

Also see:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/security/home/
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr...l=/technet/columns/security/5min/5min-105.asp

 

[athanasian creed]

Hello,
I recently installed MSN Messenger Plus! on my computer (big mistake) and it
installed a SEVERE load of adware. I've uninstalled it and have ran both
Ad-aware and another program called NoAdware. I've gotten rid of everything
they have listed but I still get these stupid popups. I know some program
is still hidden on my computer because I'm getting advertising popups when I
go to our web programs at work that are on the SERVER! My Adware programs
can't find anything else. Anyone have any ideas?

Derek

Also try a program called Spybot - hopefully, it will catch what the others
missed.

BTW, i ALMOST installed that program too !!

Good luck,

Ray

 

[Derek]

Hmmm, still get them. Here's what I've done so far. This is my computer at
work by the way...
None of the following have worked:
1. Disabling Messenger Service didn't work
2. Firewall... the business has one installed already
3. I've ran Ad-aware, NoAdware, and Spybot... they found stuff to remove
but I still get the popups.
4. Virus program... the business has one installed too
5. Critical Updates are installed automatically by the system
I get them only when Internet Explorer is open, but I don't actually have to
be using it. They just keep coming in about 5-10 minutes intervals. I
can't think of anything else to do. I'm pretty much screwed aren't I? If
anyone else has any more ideas it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Derek

PS. DON'T EVER INSTALL MSN MESSENGER PLUS! THIS IS WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM
IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!!!!

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

What do the ads look like?
What is in the line at the top of the box?
Were Ad-aware and Spybot updated within the last few days?

 

[Derek]

Here were some of the ads
1. (HEADER) Today's Top Offers
2. (HEADER) Save 50-70% on Term Life Insurance!!
--> From TermOnly.com
3. (HEADER) Weatherbug
4. (HEADER) -blank-
--> Find a Date (Great Expectations)
5. (HEADER) Smoker/Over 21??
--> Official 2003 National Smokers Survey
Sometimes the headers are just blank with some sort of advertisement. Also,
they usually pop up right when I open an explorer window.

Like I said, I'm in the company's online software that is on the server so
there should be no way popups could be coming from it.

I had just installed Ad-aware & Spybot so I had updated them both today. I
usually update them before I run them each time anyways. Neither are
finding anything else so I thought it was all gone.

Frustrated but still hoping for help,
Derek

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Derek;
Enable the firewall just to see if they stop:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283673

 

[Steve C. Ray]

Have you installed a pop up stopper? Some have been suggested to you, such
as Pop-Up Stopper from www.panicware.com. AdAware and Spybot are good
spyware removal tools, but you also need a popup stopper.

 

[Derek]

Yay! I finally got the problem figured out. I went to the Messenger Plus!
website and got help on their forum.

Apparently Messenger Plus! puts a HIDDEN folder in your Program Files called
'AproposClient'. Also, in my processes I had 'Apropos.exe' running. This
is apparently a really crappy adware program that none of my adware/spyware
removers could fine. I ran three different ones (Ad-aware, NoAdware, &
Spybot), none of which found this folder. I ended the apropos.exe process
and deleted the AproposClient folder and this solved all my severe ad popups
problem.

Just thought I'd let everyone know this. I still have Messenger Plus!, just
make sure if you want to install it to select "DO NOT INSTALL SPONSOR" on
the agreement screen. I'm not sure if it will still install the
AproposClient in the Program Files folder but you should still check.
You'll have to view hidden files and folders to find it though.

Derek