Problem with IE6 / WinXP, help?

[Guest]

Problem:

Some nasty bit of stupid-ass ad software has managed to
weasel its way into my system (god only knows how), and I
need to find where the default home page is stored so that
I can get my homepage back. (My homepage, which is
supposed to be the NY times, becomes http://default-
homepage-network.com/start.cgi?c001 whenever the computer
is rebooted). So, in essence, help! How can I reclaim IE6
without going so far as to wipe the hard drive?

Thanks for your time.

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP]

Problem:

Some nasty bit of stupid-ass ad software has managed to
weasel its way into my system (god only knows how), and I
need to find where the default home page is stored so that
I can get my homepage back. (My homepage, which is
supposed to be the NY times, becomes http://default-
homepage-network.com/start.cgi?c001 whenever the computer
is rebooted). So, in essence, help! How can I reclaim IE6
without going so far as to wipe the hard drive?

Thanks for your time.

First eliminate any scumware.
See
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware, Parasites, Toolbars and Search Engines
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

Note that AdAware and SpyBot S & D will each catch some things the other
won't. Also, each need to be updated before every use, even when just
downloaded.

 

[Laura]

Problem:

Some nasty bit of stupid-ass ad software has managed to
weasel its way into my system (god only knows how), and I
need to find where the default home page is stored so that
I can get my homepage back. (My homepage, which is
supposed to be the NY times, becomes http://default-
homepage-network.com/start.cgi?c001 whenever the computer
is rebooted). So, in essence, help! How can I reclaim IE6
without going so far as to wipe the hard drive?

Thanks for your time.

I just got through dealing with this. The only thing that worked
finally was Spybot Search and Destroy (free version, easily found).
Adaware didn't recognize it and neither did that CWshredder. Boy I'd
like to get hold of the pischer that designed this POS spyware.
Good luck.