Chances are that you're seeing the affects of a hijackware infection, due in
part, possibly, by that lousy anti-virus application you're running.
1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx
2. Run this online scan (in safe mode w/networking, if need be):
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm
3. Run additional checks for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis
log to an appropriate forum.
Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**
If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
--
~PA Bear
Post by Wally WombatThanks for the reply, here's a little more info.
I am using IE6
I have all the updates for microsoft.
I run AVG, and Spybot - have no toolbars or themes.
Is there a disconnect protocol in the microsoft security programs?
Hope this helps.
Post by PA Bear [MS MVP]CrystalBall© sez...
You may have a horked (dirty; bad; flawed) install of IE7. I suggest that
you...
1. Uninstall IE7 (which automatically returns you to IE6) EXACTLY per
http://www.ie-vista.com/kbase2.html [Only use the Command
%windir%\ie7\spuninst\spuninst.exe if you cannot uninstall via Add/Remove
Programs!]
2a. Uninstall all toolbars and third-party Windows Themes (including Window
Blinds).
2b. Disable all Norton Add-ons, if applicable.
3. Reinstall IE7 EXACTLY per
http://www.ie-vista.com/known_issues.html#pre-install <= Steps #1-8, #10 &
#11; take note of #12, then STOP!
NB: Use http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/default.mspx as the
installation source, not Automatic/Windows Update.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=9ae91ebe-3385-447c-8a30-081805b2f90b
Tip: Save the installer to your desktop, do not Run it.
4. IMMEDIATELY go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and install any
critical updates offered. If a "Root Certificates" update is listed in the
Optional category, install it to take full advantage of IE7's additional
security.
IEBlog : IE7 (Un)Installation and Anti-Malware Applications
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/10/11/IE7-Installation-and-Anti_2D00_Malware-Applications.aspx
What's New in Internet Explorer 7
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms649487.aspx
Release Notes
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/Aa740486.aspx
IEBlog: IE and Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
Post by Wally WombatHi
I have xp pro with all the service upgrades. I use Defender, and windows
firewall. I notice my broadband connection keeps dropping out and with the
message "work offline or try again" popping up. I feel there must be a tick
in a box somewhere that tells the system to disconnect after when not being
used, any suggestions.
Wombat