ignoring ads.x10.com

[Doug Fox]

Whenever a user loads her browser with default to www.microsoft.com, the
browser also brings up, http://ads.x10.com/?Z3hzdHJlYW1wdTEuZGF0=RND|SITEID

How can we get rid of it other than adding an entry in the hosts file? Is
it embbedded somewhere in the registry or cookie?

Her machine has been scanned by Ad-Aware and Spybot with the lastest update.

Any pointers are appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[war17]

A Search site has downloaded something into your computer.

1. If you have Windows Messenger Service, disable it. The Messenger service
is typically not needed for home users.

Right-click My Computer and click Manage.
Fold out the Services and Applications option and click Services.
Right-click the Messenger entry, select Properties, and choose Disable under
Startup Type.
Click OK.

You should no longer receive messages sent via the messenger service.

2. Use the following scanners to find and remove the website.

SpyBot S&D searches your harddisk for so-called spy- or adbots;
http://security.kolla.de/
or
Adaware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
or
CWShredder
http://www.spychecker.com/program/cwshredder.html

3. Some porn websites redirects links to their websites using your HOSTS
file. Do a search for the HOSTS (without extension) file and remove the
entry.

4. If still no joy, download HijackThis from Spywareinfo download page

http://www.spywareinfo.com/downloads.php

Run the program and you will find many entries. Most are OK. Post the log. I
will find the problem for you.

5. For future preventive maintenance, make sure programs cannot just
download on your computer without your permission. From the Internet
Toolbar, go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced. Make sure "Enable
Install On Demand (Internet Explorer)" and "Enable Install On Demand
(Other)" are unchecked.