Getting rid of a browser redirector....

[Beorn]

..Does anyone know how to do it?

I have tried everything. I even cleaned the PC of all hardware and cleaned it three times, yet the bloody thing still exists.

:mad:

[Ulf]

..Does anyone know how to do it?

I have tried everything. I even cleaned the PC of all hardware and cleaned it three times, yet the bloody thing still exists.

:mad:

What's redirecting you? From where to where?

[Beorn]

Two examples:

1) I'll be happily browsing when all of a sudden a new tab is created and some random web-page appears (thankfully with adblock and noscripts I don't get to see the contents).

A web-page of interest it took me to once was called Jew.com

2) I'll be on Google and clicking a link I wish to go to, and it will just redirect to another web-page altogether. I sometimes have to click three or four times to get the actual page I want.

[Ulf]

Two examples:

1) I'll be happily browsing when all of a sudden a new tab is created and some random web-page appears (thankfully with adblock and noscripts I don't get to see the contents).

A web-page of interest it took me to once was called Jew.com

2) I'll be on Google and clicking a link I wish to go to, and it will just redirect to another web-page altogether. I sometimes have to click three or four times to get the actual page I want.

I'm just going to assume you're using Firefox, I found this page which seems to describe problems similar to yours.

Link (http://support.mozilla.com/tiki-view_forum_thread.php?comments_offset=0&comments_threadId=0&comments_parentId=601397&comments_threshold=0&thread_sort_mode=commentDate_asc&forumId=1&time_control=86400)

Search through your installed programs list and remove anything which seems suspicious, unused or you don't remember installing. For uninstalling programs I recommend (if using windows) Revo Uninstaller (http://www.revouninstaller.com/) as it will search for left over files after uninstalling.

Try a different browser and see if you can replicate the problem, Chrome, IE whatever.

[Cato]

I'll assume that you're using a Windows-based computer and offer some of my own information.

Those browser hijackers are nasty little buggers, with some of them creating restore scripts in the registry files if the main parts are cleared out with Norton or the equivalent. The last time I had one of those things, I junked the PC (it was an older one and I had a laptop). Another time, a restoration of the operating system restored system functionality- with the catch being that I lost all of the data that wasn't backed-up.

I used this program once, to great effect, to clean out one of those fake anti-virus program virus, actually it was a variation of the Conficker worm, and it cleaned my system out:

http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor/

You can download the program and run it for a system scan for free, but to actually have it clean out your PC costs the price of the usage license (about $30-$40 for a year, iirc).

The trouble is, like Ulf pointed out, you can still have leftovers if you clean something out- viruses, the good ones anyways, infect multiple areas of your computer, with the registry infections usually being the worst to get rid of (from my experience). There were times where, say, I ran my then-current anti-virus program multiple times to get rid of some virus, only to have the effing thing recreate itself in toto after I restarted the PC. To this end, I'd suggest a good [free] registry cleaner, although I don't know of any offhand. Spyware Doctor does this, quite well, but it's gonna cost you should you choose to do it.

[Ulf]

Auslogics Registry Cleaner (http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/registry-cleaner/)

[Absinthe]

Looks like you got some nasty adware, run one of the programs suggested and if I were you I'd also re-install my browser (or use a different one).

[Beorn]

Thank you all for taking the time. :) I have cleaned my whole PC of hardware and every kitchen sink I could find, but the thing still hijacks my Firefox browser. It has also infected the Opera browser I am currently using as well.

I am just going to have to take it to the Welsh Wizard and force him do his magic.

[Absinthe]

Format C:? :icon_ask:

[Beorn]

My PC ability extends to chatting on forums and browsing the internet. Downloading music, and films and gaming.

You say 'format', I say "Huh?"

:D

[Absinthe]

Formatting for dummies (http://lifehacker.com/157578/geek-to-live--how-to-format-your-hard-drive-and-install-windows-xp-from-scratch) :)

[Grey]

Go to C:\windows\ and delete your system32 folder. (I'm kidding!!)

But seriously, I know everyone's suggested software already but I've never had a problem Malwarebytes couldn't fix.

[Absinthe]

Go to C:\windows\ and delete your system32 folder. (I'm kidding!!)

:eek: :D

[Beorn]

Formatting for dummies (http://lifehacker.com/157578/geek-to-live--how-to-format-your-hard-drive-and-install-windows-xp-from-scratch) :)

I see it requires having the CD for re-installation and some other stuff. I don't have it, but your link is being bookmarked for future reference.

Thank you. :)


Go to C:\windows\ and delete your system32 folder. (I'm kidding!!)

Take away the part about kidding, and that folder would have been deleted with the full fury that naivety can muster. :D


But seriously, I know everyone's suggested software already but I've never had a problem Malwarebytes couldn't fix.

I was given it when I was last at the shop, and I agree, it is really good.
Just won't stop this little hijacker though, which is a shame.