Computer--popups and re directions.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

I use Mozilla Firefox and Google. I have AVG security suite.

Over the last week or so (since I installed AVG) I keep getting popups to say a gambling site from all kinds of links on forums. AND I keep getting redirected to other sites and secondary search engines when clicking on a Google search results,even when AVG shows it as safe. I also have Adblock plus.

I recently did a start up scan using Spybot. It found ans removed 5 trojans. Seems I still have trojans. Logic suggests AVG may be the culprit. Anyway of finding out apart from removing AVG and ALL components using an uninstall utility?

[Tiberius]

AVG isn't the problem. AVG is a virus scanner that is considered one of the best available. The more likely explanation is that at the same time you downloaded AVG, your computer also contracted spyware and viruses. Uninstalling AVG is something I would not recommend unless you were installing Avast instead.

[fr0d0]

Malwarebytes is pretty good at dealing with malware infections. You should also surf the web as a limited user instead of using an administrator account, as that's an open door to infection. I have a lot of respect for AVG, but have dumped it for Microsoft Security Essentials (free for home use) which is leaner and provides more thorough protection against malware as well as viruses.

[Minimalist]

I use Mozilla Firefox and Google. I have AVG security suite.

Over the last week or so (since I installed AVG) I keep getting popups to say a gambling site from all kinds of links on forums. AND I keep getting redirected to other sites and secondary search engines when clicking on a Google search results,even when AVG shows it as safe. I also have Adblock plus.

I recently did a start up scan using Spybot. It found ans removed 5 trojans. Seems I still have trojans. Logic suggests AVG may be the culprit. Anyway of finding out apart from removing AVG and ALL components using an uninstall utility?

There is a Firefox add-on called Adblock. It works very well. I no longer get those annoying sound ads where your computer starts telling you about some bullshit product nor any pop ups. It also seems to help pages load quicker.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

Thank you Frodo and Min.

I've been using Adblock plus for ages.


I've also been discussing the matter with Adrian privately,and he made some good suggestions,which I incorporated into my approach.

What I did: uninstallled AVG, installed AVAST free version did a start up scan.It found and removed 3 trojans; Win32UP-gen [PUP]. Have just downloaded Comodo Firewall.

Currently. I Googled 'Comodo' but whenever I clicked a result link,AVAST gave me a trojan warning and I was a redirected to another search engine. Strangely,the problem disappeared when I used bing. Seems my Google is inefected,most unpleasant.

How can I fix this? I have no problem using my Firefox bookmarks.

[fr0d0]

Hijacks are hard to get rid of. HijackThis is a tool of choice, but it's usage isn't simple. Best to visit a specialist forum and get some help I think.

Is it specifically Firefox and Google or IE as well?

By far the simplest solution ... if you have system restore enabled roll back to before you had the issue.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

Is it specifically Firefox and Google or IE as well?

By far the simplest solution ... if you have system restore enabled roll back to before you had the issue.

Thank you Frodo. Isn't bing an app linked to IE? I'm currently using that as my search engine without issues,but I prefer Google.

Rolling back would create some problems with new software. I will take your advice and go to specialist forum


ADDENDUM:

15 minutes later; FIXED bing was also stuffed,as was Yahoo. I went to a bookmarked freeware site I've been using for years and found a freestanding application called 'Desktop Highjack Fix'. It restored the desktop default settings. Google now seems to be working fine,taking me directly to the chosen result link.


Thank you Frodo for explaining what was actually wrong.

[fr0d0]

Glad you're sorted, those things can be a pain in the ass to get rid of. Will go grab that fix for my tool kit

[Tiberius]

*looks around nervously for Kyu*

Ok good.

THIS WOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM IF PEOPLE USED A DECENT OPERATING SYSTEM...

*runs away*

[leo-rcc]

Bullshit. If one does as Fr0d0 suggests there is no need to move away from Windows. Don't log in as a user with admin rights and the problem would not even exist.