Computer Problems - Browser Hijacked!

[Centaur]

I seem to have picked up a browser hijacker, or thiefware.

This nasty bugger is called the "Home Search Assistant" or the "Shopping Wizard." Any attempts to uninstall the program directs you to a web site that allegedly contains the uninstaller. But I'm leery to down load anything from these jerks.

My browser has been hijacked to a site called "home Search." The web address comes up as "about:blank." Any time I start up the browser I am directed to this site, and then my virus software (McAfee) goes nuts fending off the "Backdoor-BDD" virus.

Any suggestions from the more tech savy ones here?

 

[ErikD]

Download and run:
1) Spybot Search & Destroy
2) Adaware
3) CWShredder

Make sure you update each one before running to get the latest defenitions. They are all free prgrams. Hopefully that will take care of your problem. If not report back, and some further work will need to be done.

 

[bladefixation2]

I would also recommend switching to Mozilla Firefox as a browser, its much more resistant to spyware etc.

Be careful when downloading adaware, there are a lot of clones of it which install more spyware. Get it from http://www.lavasoft.de/ and it should be ok

 

[penguin_2000]

try microsoft's new spyware remover... I don't have any hijackers now, but I want to know how well it works

 

[Ken C.]

Glen,

Read the following link and email me with any questions. I posted this in another thread regarding the same problem. Also download the new Microsoft AntiSpyware program. It works well. But to fix the problem you have you need to follow the instructions in the link.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2831661&postcount=4

 

[Centaur]

Thanks Everyone.

Ken - I know from your previous replies that you know what you're doing. My first reaction is to use your recomended treatment.

This is one smart hijacker. It disabled my Anti-Spy software (I'm currently running McAfee.)

I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[Dragon_Man]

Go to your C drive and delete all of your temporary internet files, this will do you no harm. Install SpywareBlaster and enable all protection, install and run Ad-aware and Spybot. If you don't have a firewall try Zone Alarm. All of the software I have suggested is free and can be found at www.majorgeeks.com. If you continue to have problems send me an email with the details.

 

[Centaur]

Well, folks...

Ken's advice appears to have worked. You de man!

Thanks to all.