Help, I have hidden programs that are trying to access the internet

[Dan]

Somehow, I've managed to get some kind of hidden program
that keeps trying to access the internet. I think one of
my friends accidently downloaded something that causes
pop-up addverts for gambling sites and adult sites, and i
cant get rid of it.

I can't find it in my hard drive, and it's really getting
annoying because it makes my firewall alerts come up at
inappropriate moments (like in the middle of multiplayer
games), and the location it says on the alerts doesn't
seem to be there.

Its also caused I little task bar come up when I open
Internet Explorer, with a search box. And I often get
redirected to a site called lop.com. Can anyone please
help, is there anyway I can get rid of it?

 

[Miha Pihler]

Hi Dan,

Install some anti AdWare and SpyWare software. Lavasoft's AdAware does
pretty good job and it is free. You can get it at www.lavasoftusa.com ->
download...
Since it works like Antivirus program it needs to be updated to get latest
signatures.
Also delete all the Cookies on your PC and all the Temporary Internet Files.

Also to protect your PC, install and use Antivirus. Don't forget to update
it at least once a week. And to keep your PC healthy, update it regularly.
Visit www.windowsupdate.com

 

[Doug]

Dan,

I had the same thing. I went to download.com and got a
program called spybot search and destroy. (do a search
for spybot). It did a great job of getting rid of the
spyware programs on my client's PC. I recommend you try
it. Let me know how it works for you. Later.

Doug

 

[jonnin]

I also like a program called xteq. It has a lot of stuff
it can do, but my favorite is its "behind your back"
wizard. youll be surprised how much junk is running
there... kill them all. xteq.com is the site, the program
is free for home use if memory serves.