Searchcentral

[Jim]

Does anyone know how to get rid of searchcentral.cc it
appears when ever I start up IE. I have tried to remove
it from the registry and search thru files but every time
I start my system it appear as my home page???

Thanks

 

[H Leboeuf]

You have been hacked by a CoolWebSearch variant.
Link to removal tool below.

Rule out all parasites while at it.

Try this: Tools > Internet Options > Advanced > Browsing
Uncheck the Enable 3rd party browser extensions

If this clears your problem then find out who the culprit(s) is/are with
these tools.

Let AD-Aware Scan your system for advertising Spyware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com

If you use a HOSTS file, beware of this new issue.
Ad-Aware has decided to include a new detection when scanning the HOSTS
file. This now creates a "Bad hosts file entry" in the log file generated at
the end of a scan. The best thing to do is to place a check in each entry,
right-click and select: "Add selection to ignorelist". Otherwise if you let
AWW "fix" these items it will trash the HOSTS file! Even if you have it
"locked" by [example] SpywareBlaster or Winpatrol. It does not return the
attributes and renames the HOSTS file incorrectly to hosts.

and:

SpyBot-S&D
http://security.kolla.de/

p.s Reset the 3rd party browser setting.

More: This may be caused by a third-party program (adware, spyware,
parasite).
Get AdAware and SpyBot and run them both. Keep them up to date.
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware, Parasites, Toolbars and Search Engines
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

Additional link:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

You may need this removal tool.
More: Complete list by variant with up-to-date information.
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/cwschronicles.html
More: Removal tool: http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/CWShredder.exe

CWShredder - Tutorial
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=47

IMPORTANT:
Before trying to remove spyware, download a copy of LSPFIX from
the URL below - some malware may kill your internet connection when it is
removed, this program will enable you to regain your connection.
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html (if your OS is Win2k or
XP)


Important: "So how did I get infected in the first place?"
http://forums.net-integration.net/index.php?showtopic=3051

 

[KAS]

Third time today. . .

Go get copies of Ad-Aware and Spybot (both are free) and
run them. They should be able to get rid of any and all
spyware/malware you have on your system.

Once your system is cleaned DO NOT install things like
Bonzi Buddy, Gator, any toolbars, etc. That is where this
stuff comes from. Any time you see an ad asking to install
something make sure you click NO and close the ad.

You can also try using a different browswer such as
Firebird, Opera, Konqueror, etc which all have built-in
pop-up blockers so you never see the ads in the first place.

Another alternative would be to install Googles Toolbar
which also blocks pop-ups.