Search engine/Adware issues

[pablo_]

Hello! I hope this is the correct section of the forums...

I have been experiencing issues with Google Search when using Firefox.

When I click on results of a search the browser redirects me to one of many other sites which all appear to be strange advertisement-based search engines. The only way I can go to the page I want is to copy and paste the url into my address bar. The fourth or fifth time I click (after going 'back') it works however this is not consistent. When the redirect happens the bottom line of the screen shows my browser is taking me to "http://clickfraudmanager... etc etc"

I have tried running Spybot (1.6.2.0) but this seemed to make the problem worse (?) I have also installed and run Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware which found many security risks - these were deleted but the problem is reoccuring.

I have up to date Norton installed and I am in the middle of my annual subscription.

 

Any help would be appreciated as this is very frustrating.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Run the tools listed below Pablo and then get back to us on the outcome.

 

Also consider what we recommend for Security products here.

 

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/3597-free-pc-help-recommended-security-products.html

 

 

Your computer appears to be infected with Malware. Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. It is a combination of the words malicious and software. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.

 

It is in your best interest to note the following:

1. Please disable your resident security applications (such as AVG, Spybot, WinPatrol, etc.) before performing the below procedure so that they do not interfere with the process.
   
2. Perform all the steps in the order listed to avoid any conflicts.
   
3. If unsure, please stop and voice your doubts.
   
4. You might be required to go offline during the disinfection process. Therefore, it is recommended to print off the instructions below for ease of reference.
   

If you stick to the above guidelines, all should go smoothly.

 

================================================

STEP 1

1. Download ATF-Cleaner by Atribune.
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click on the file to run the program.
   
4. On the Main tab, check the Select All button.
   
5. Next, click on the Firefox tab (if applicable) and check the Select All button.
    
   Note: If you would like to preserve your saved passwords in Firefox, then click No at the corresponding prompt.
   
6. Now, click on the Opera tab (if applicable) and check the Select All button.
    
   Note: If you would like to preserve your saved passwords in Opera, then click No at the corresponding prompt.
   
7. Press the Empty Selected button and click OK to acknowledge the corresponding prompt.
   
8. Click on the Exit button to quit the program.
   

================================================

STEP 2

1. Please click here to download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
   
4. At the end, make sure a check mark is placed next to:
   
   1. 
      
   2. Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
      
   3. Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
      

 

[*] Click Finish.

[*] The program will download and update itself if it finds the necessity to do so. Please allow this.

[*] Once the program has loaded, select Perform full scan, then click Scan.

 

Note: Depending on your computer specifications, the scan may take some time to complete. Please wait patiently and do not interrupt the process.

[*] When the scan is complete, click OK, and then Show Results to view the results.

[*] Make sure that every entry is selected, and click Remove Selected.

[*] Restart your computer.

================================================

STEP 3

1. Please click here to download SUPERAntiSpyware (Free Version).
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click SUPERAntiSpyware.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
   
4. Open SUPERAntiSpyware.
   
5. Under Configuration and Preferences, click the Preferences button.
   
6. Click the Scanning Control tab.
   
7. Under Scanner Options make sure the following fields checked:
   

    

   [*] Click the Close button to leave the control center screen.

   [*] On the main screen, under Scan for Harmful Software click Scan your computer.

   [*] On the left, make sure you check mark C:\Fixed Drive.

   [*] On the right, under Complete Scan, choose Perform Complete Scan.

   [*] Click Next to start the scan. Please be patient while it scans your computer.

   [*] After the scan is complete, a Scan Summary box will appear with potentially harmful items that were detected. Click OK.

   [*] Make sure every entry has a check mark next to it and click Next.

   [*] A notification will appear that Quarantine and Removal is Complete. Click OK and then Finish to return to the main menu.

   [*] Restart your computer.

   ================================================

   STEP 4
   1. Please visit the ESET Online Scanner, using Internet Explorer to initiate the scan.
       
      Note: If you are running Windows Vista, then you will need Administrative privileges to complete the latter part of the procedure. To do so, right-click on the Internet Explorer icon in the Start Menu and select the Run As Administrator option in the shell context menu.
      
   2. Check mark the YES, I accept the Terms of Use box.
      
   3. Click the Start button.
      
   4. Click the Install button on the following screen.
      
   5. Click Start. This will will initialize and update the scanner engine.
      
   6. Check mark the box beside Remove found threats.
      
   7. Click the Scan button. This will start the scan. Please be patient while it is in progress.
      
   8. Restart your computer.
      

   ================================================

   STEP 5
   1. Click on Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and select System Restore.
      
   2. Choose the radio button marked Create a Restore Point on the first screen and click Next. Give the restore point a name then click Create. The new point will be stamped with the current date and time. Keep a note of this so you can find it easily should you need to use System Restore.
      
   3. Next, click on Start > Run, type Cleanmgr and click on OK.
      
   4. Click on the More Options tab.
      
   5. Click the Clean Up button in the System Restore section to remove all previous restore points except the most recent one.
      

   This will remove any infected files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in "System Restore" are protected to prevent any programs changing those files. This is the only foolproof way to ensure the deletion of those files.

    

   Note: Please don't use it on a regular basis as this will clear all previous restore points. The feature might be very useful to revert your computer to working condition if something goes wrong.

    

   Re-enable all your security applications and please return here and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

Close browsers before scanning
Scan for tracking cookies
Terminate memory threats before quarantining

[pablo_]

ok..... just completed all steps - after a couple of google searches, everything seems tickety-boo .... will post again tomorrow after using properly to confirm. (a tentative) THANKS!!

[pablo_]

OK ... Tried to click on some google results this morning and I'm still being redirected to other sites "...clickfraudmanager... etc" What's the next step? Edited February 20, 2009 by pablo_

[Tootech]

Seems to be specific to Firefox.

 

There is alot of info regarding removal of this piece of spyware, here is the easiest way.

 

Back up your favourites etc and uninstall Firefox.

 

Restart and then navigate to the folder shown below and delete the Mozilla Folder.

 

"Test System" you see in the picture is the name of the user. If you have more than one user set up on your system, do the same for all users.

 

You may have to use the folder options to enable viewing of hidden files and folders first.

 

All done, reinstall Firefox and you should be ok.

 

[ATTACH]395[/ATTACH]

 

Let us know how you get on.

Edited September 27, 2009 by Tootech

[pablo_]

Ok... All seems fine now I've reinstalled Firefox, there is only one thing unusual - Symantec seems to be constantly updating virus definitions. Each time the downnload appears successful however it is updating itself 8 or 9 times a day, this is at least 20 times as frequently as it has done in the 3 years I've had it installed.... Any suggestions, is this suspicious, or is it just a busy week for Norton?

[Plastic Nev]

Hi, perhaps now is the time to ask if Norton has settled down. If not, it may be that the cure for your other problems may have damaged some of the Norton files, and although trying to download, it may not be doing, or worse it hasn't recognised them and is slowly filling your hard drive with useless info.

I suggest uninstalling Norton, have a serious think about whether you want an anti-virus most folk don't like, and should you try a different one. Or re-install Norton.

To uninstall it, use their own tool, it works the best and you can get it from here-

Download and run the Norton Removal Tool

If you do re-install Norton your subscription should still be valid, have a look at their advice on the link above for the uninstaller.

Nev.