Hijacked Browser

[hugh welford]

Hi
Using IE 6 with winXP pro.

An Isp called Tiscali has hijacked my browser, imposing their own URL as my
default home page, so that I see their search engine as home page each time
I load IE - plus all manner of advertising pop-ups. I have reset IE to the
default which works OK until I have to re-boot the machine, when I am back
to damned Tiscali again.... why do they do it - it generates so much bad
will - never, ever would I use Tiscali now.

Can anyone tell me how to purge them for good?

Thanks a million

Hugh

 

[Howard Hartman]

Hello, Hugh.

It sounds more like you have an adware or spyware running on your computer
that is changing your browser settings.

Download Microsoft's spyware program - or one of the others like Spybot or
Spysweeper - and scan your computer for spyware.
Once this program is removed you should be able to reboot and retain your
browser settings.

 

[Galen]

In hugh welford <[email protected]> had this to say:

My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:

Hi
Using IE 6 with winXP pro.

An Isp called Tiscali has hijacked my browser, imposing their own URL
as my default home page, so that I see their search engine as home
page each time I load IE - plus all manner of advertising pop-ups. I
have reset IE to the default which works OK until I have to re-boot
the machine, when I am back to damned Tiscali again.... why do they
do it - it generates so much bad will - never, ever would I use
Tiscali now.
Can anyone tell me how to purge them for good?

Thanks a million

Hugh

I'd start with these tools run with the latest definition updates:

Spyware:
www.lavasoft.de - AdAware
http://security.kolla.de/ - Spybot
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx -
Microsoft Anti-Spyware Beta

Give those a shot at cleaning it. Try all three if you want, I'd do so. If
something can't be deleted then try it in safe mode. Before doing so I'd
grab a copy of WinSockXPFix from here:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html You can use that to
repair your internet connection should things go wrong.

Galen

 

[Jan Il]

Hi hugh

In addition to updating and running your AV, download, install and run the
programs below in Safe Mode with Hidden Files enabled. Some forms of
malware can replicate itself repeatedly if not removed properly, so even if
you have already run some programs, run them again according to the
innformation below. Follow all instructions carefully:

First, Clear the TIF's and empty the recycle bin:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm
(The TIF size should be set to 50-60 MB. Larger caches tend to be more prone
to trouble)

If so, then do the following:

WARNING>>>> Backup all documents and files before removing any spyware!!

How to properly scan for scumware (read first, if possible)
http://aumha.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5878

Download and install BHODemon from
http://www.definitivesolutions.com/bhodemon.htm
Your problem may be caused by a bad BHO.

Most importantly, download install and run CWShredder here
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3019.html
and this program, which searches for hidden .dlls that recreate the malware.
About Buster:
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 two programs before
running:

AdAware SE - Update immediately after installing
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button
SpyBot S &D - Update immediately after installing
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2471.html

Download pocket killbox from Download pocket killbox from
http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/files/killbox.exe
and put it on the desktop where you can find it easily

Also download, install, and run HiJackThis - it is one of the very import
tools to clean your system of all 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 and allow the experts there
to analyze it for youPlease DO NOT post your log to this newsgroup. It is
important that you go to one of the HiJackThis Support Forums below and
allow the experts there to analyze it for you.::
AumHa HiJackThis Forum
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30
or Bleeping Computer Forum
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
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.)

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
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that's why they're so contagious.

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