Recently I've been typimg in URLS and getting redirected to a 'search everything' site.
For example:
I type in: www.google.com but the URL changes itself to:
http://www.smart-finder.biz/1507/www.google.com
and I end up at the smart-finder page.
How do I get rid of this?
I'm on AOL 8.0 on the PC.
Help!
Andrew
You most certinainly have installed something that has done this - and it has added some spyware to your machine.
Make a list of all the software you have installed recently (well, what did you install before the problem started?)
I just did a quick search to confirm this - this link might get you started on killing it.
[It has links to some software which might help]
http://forums.devshed.com/t111679/s3896f8d2b176c25c278a869e8f1be3d5.html
For complete peace of mind, rebuild time...
-Russ
Originally posted by seewinklerPatrick Kolla's spy-bot S&D does not support AOL.x but it is clearly the best anti spy ware freebie around for main stream OS's.
you could also use a anti-spyware-program like "search & destroy" to eliminate this annoying "search everything". i had the same problem on my pc...
skeeter
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Originally posted by RhymesterHas Red Hot Ted been surfing "other" sites on the web 😉
Recently I've been typimg in URLS and getting redirected to a 'search everything' site.
For example:
I type in: www.google.com but the URL changes itself to:
http://www.smart-finder.biz/1507/www.google.com
and I end up at the smart-finder page.
How do I get rid of this?
I'm on AOL 8.0 on the PC.
Help!
Andrew
Andrew
Originally posted by latex bishopI think you may be on to something there! 😉
Has Red Hot Ted been surfing "other" sites on the web 😉
Andrew
Anyway I've tried the ad-aware thingy and that found 28 bits of crap which I deleted - didn't solve the problem though.
The spybot search and destroy, which I tried next, seems to have done the trick... I have now to wait and see if I've deleted anything vital that I shouldn't have messed with...
Thanks for the advice folks 🙂
Andrew
The anti-spyware software is indeed essential these days... Also, do you have a firewall set up? If not, then don't wait another minute to get one. I recommend zonealarm. The free version will do just fine - you can find the download link at: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?lid=pdb_za1)
-Jarno
Originally posted by PyrrhoSo does the little padlock symbol on secure sites - like on-line banking - mean nothing? Should we be worried about passwords and log in details being stolen?
The anti-spyware software is indeed essential these days... Also, do you have a firewall set up? If not, then don't wait another minute to get one. I recommend zonealarm. The free version will do just fine - you can find the download link at: http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?lid=pdb_za1)
-Jarno
Andrew
The padlock only indicates encryption over the wire. What happens on your machine is another thing altogether.
Once something is installed on your system it can do whatever it likes. Including recording key presses if you are unlucky enough to get some really nasty code on your machine. A firewall is a must these days.
Think before you download. And NEVER just say OK to any dialog that pops up as your browse around.
-Russ
Originally posted by RhymesterA firewall is there to ensure that nobody can hack into your computer and use it for their purposes, get stuff stored on your computer or just mess around. And there are plenty out there who try. Without a firewall you are a sitting duck, so to speak.
So does the little padlock symbol on secure sites - like on-line banking - mean nothing? Should we be worried about passwords and log in details being stolen?
Andrew
Zonealarm is good in that with it installed, if you have some software that someone has snuck into your system that is trying to "call home" - access some site without your knowledge or permission, Zonealarm will notify you of the attempt, and ask whether you'd like to allow this program internet access or not. So whenever you get some program that you are not familiar with, or don't think should be using the intrenet, trying to use your connection, you can simply block it. Also, it's a very easy-to-use program; you don't need any special knowledge installing or running it.
-Jarno
I also recommend ZoneAlarm, I was so impressed with it I bought the pro version which automatically blocks pop ups and alot of the spyware programs from getting to your system in the first place. Also had e-mail protection from like 47 different types of script viruses and worms. Don't think alot of the pro version features will work with AOL though, it doesn't support alot of the different browsers, but the free version firewall will.