Search problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter Alvin Navarro
  • Start date Start date
A

Alvin Navarro

To whom it may concern,

I recently encountered a problem which I haven't been able to digest as to
what is causing it.

This particular user when searching the web (may it be MSN, Yahoo, Google,
or any kind of search engine), it always displays a page not found. It only
happens when the user searches for anything on the web. We only has problems
when searching for something. This problem occurs only to this particular
user.

I have updated his system and his version of IE assuming the update will fix
the problem but it didn't. He uses Win98 SE and has an updated anti-virus
installed.

Your response on this matter will be greatly appreciated.


Alvin
 
Alvin,
Trojan Qhosts hijacks the HOSTS file, however unlike normal redirectors,
this one hides the HOSTS file in the "Windows\Help" folder. It then
creates entries that redirects *all* major search engines to a website.
Note: this website has now been removed, thus the DNS errors.
[more info]
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm (bottom of page)

Microsoft has released a cumulative patch for this vulnerability:
Simply go to Windows Update [hotfix 828750]
[more info]
http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/ms03-040.asp

If your AV did not detect or you simply don't have an AV (bad idea)
Free Removal Tool:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/trojan.qhosts.removal.tool.html

AVG AntiVirus 6.0 [freeware] http://www.grisoft.com/
_______________________________________
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 9-30-03]
Please post replies to this Newsgroup, email address is invalid
 
Here is what worked for me

Look for Hosts Files
To determine if the problem is caused by an entry in the
Hosts file, look for Hosts files on the local computer
and rename all the Hosts files that are found. To do so,
follow these steps:
Click Start, point to Search, and then click For Files or
Folders.
In the All or part of the file name box, type hosts.
In the Look in list, click your hard disk, and then click
Search.
Click all the Hosts files that are found. If there is
more than one, click one Hosts file, and then hold down
the CTRL key while you click other Hosts files.
Press F2.
Type a new name. For example, type oldhosts, and then
press ENTER.
For additional information about renaming multiple files
in Windows XP, click the following article number to view
the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
320167 HOW TO: Rename Multiple Files in Windows XP with
Windows Explorer

full article at http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326155
..
 
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