MyHelpDesk.org - Computer Support - Spyware, Adware and Hijacked Browser Page

SPYWARE, ADWARE AND HIJACKED BROWSER PAGE

Click Here for the Free Trend Micro Online Virus / Spyware Scan and Removal.

Click Here for the Free Trend Micro Online Spyware Scan and Removal.

Welcome to the Spware / Adware and Internet Explorer hijacks page. Use when you have many pop ups and other strange Internet behavior. There is an excellent article about the Spyware threat and a review of products you can buy at www.PCWorld.com.

Recommended FREE Spyware and Adware programs:
Start here with all the Spyware programs listed. If those do not work continue with the full list below.

Ad-Aware and and VX2 Plugin. It removes the VX2 malware.
Spybot is another good program to remove ad and spyware.
Spywareblaster is good preventative program that runs when Internet Explorer runs to prevent spyware from installing in the first place.
Active Ports will list all the ports that are open on your Windows XP machine, a very handy tool.
Microsoft Malicous Software Removal Tool will list scan your PC for the latest malware that is on your computer. Scans for worms and viruses.

Hijacking:
When you have your home page repeatedly changes (hijacked) or searches are re-directed.

DownloadHijackThis! from Spywareinfo.com
Libraries and further information:

Symantec
Trend
McAfee
Sophos
Panda
eTrust

Multiple Vendor library and informational repository from Secunia (Excellent research resource)

Security Intelligence (a broad collection of informational sites)

Spyware Database and research Links

Parasites (descriptions and removal information from Doxdesk)
Parasites (descriptions and removal instructions from PestPatrol, and TSG "review" of PestPatrol
Spyware Guide
Spyware Research Center and Threat Library

Free fix and removal tools:

Viral:

Grisoft AVG Free Download and AVG Update Download Options tip
Specialized Removal Tools from Grisoft AVG
Symantec
Trend Micro Damage Cleanup Services (uses the latest definitions, downloadable)
BitDefender
McAfee AVERT Stinger (Stinger is a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses)

Specialized Trojan Removal Applications (trial versions):

Wilders Security Advisors

Parasitic:

Spybot Installation and Usage
Ad-Aware Home Page and VX2 Plugin
HijackThis QuickStart
HijackThis direct download, and Tutorial
SpywareBlaster and Tutorial from BleepingComputer.com
lspfix (Layered Service Protocols) repairs damaged Winsock2 vxd associated with connectivity problems
Winsock fix specific to XP by "Option Explicit"
SpywareInfo: Detection, Prevention and Removal Tools, SpywareBlaster and others
RapidBlaster Removal
CoolWebSearch -- Information and Removal Tool Latest version (2.0)
Kazaabegone and other downloads from Merijn

Other Tutorials from BleepingComputer.com

Alternate Download Sites for HijackThis, Spybot, CoolwebShredder (and others):

Net-Integration, includes HijackThis tutorial
Information, Advice and Specialized Tools from Aumha.org
Lurkhere
Spybot download and Tutorial at Safer-networking
Anti-Spyware at Majorgeeks
Merijn downloads and others at Castle Cops

HijackThis Analysis

Tutorial

Lists:

BHOs and Toolbars (02,03)
LSPs (010)
Filter:text (018)
Appinit (020), SSODL (021)

Free Firewalls:

ZoneAlarm
Sygate
Kerio
More FireWall help and info

Vulnerability testing, Information and Fixes:

Steve Gibson's Homepage

Are you safe? Gibson's site is a world of its own, with tests and fixes for many Windows security vulnerabilities.

Security Test Sites

Microsoft Security Information:

Security Updates (Bulletins)

Security and Privacy
Understand and Maintain Security with Internet Explorer (includes latest Critical Updates)
Home Security Risk Assesment and Protection Steps
TechNet Security Resource Center: technical information and security updates for IT professionals

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) Support Center

Microsoft Network Security Hotfix Checker {aka Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer}

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