chris,
In most cases an entry added to the Registry is generated by spyware that is
preventing you from making the desired change(s). You really need to check
your system with either Ad-Aware or SpyBot (see below), then finish up with
HijackThis!. Visiting the SpywareInfo forum to finish cleaning up your
system is highly recommended, as neither Ad-Aware or SpyBot can no longer
*completely* remove these pests.
__Recommended Minimal Security Settings__
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/restricted.htm#Setting
When your Security settings are "soft" these sites take advantage of this
and actually install software on your system without your knowledge or
consent. In other cases downloaded software comes bundled with other
"components" (spyware\adware) that you don't realize exists until you start
having problems or discover your browser has been hijacked.
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Check for Spyware | Adware | Parasites | Dialers | Hijackers | Trojans |
Unwanted Toolbars:
[Experienced Users]
SpyBot 1.2 [freeware]
http://security.kolla.de/
Once installed make *sure* to update via online before scanning!
Fix the items labeled in red, items labeled in blue-green are optional.
Support Forum:
http://www.net-integration.net/cgi-bin/forums/ikonboard.cgi
How To:
http://www.tomcoyote.org/SPYBOT/
[Novice Users]
Ad-Aware [freeware]
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
Once installed make *sure* to update via online before scanning!
Support Forum:
http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/
[To double-check your system - *after* using one of the above]
Go to:
http://www.tomcoyote.org/hjt/
Download "Hijack This!" [freeware] or download direct (below):
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/hijackthis.zip
Unzip, double-click "HijackThis.exe" and Press "Scan".
When the scan is finished, the "Scan" button will change into a "Save Log"
button.
Click: "Save Log" (generates: "hijackthis.log")
Next, go to the below location:
http://www.spywareinfo.com/forums/
Sign in, go to the "Spyware and Hijackware Removal" section.
Press "New Topic", copy and paste hijackthis.log into your new message.
_______________________________________
Mike Burgess
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/
Blocking Spyware, Adware, Parasites, Hijackers, Trojans, with a HOSTS file
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm [updated 8-26-03]
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