IE 5.5 Tool Bar problems 1

[Nyg]

Hi

We have a Win98 machine that had IE 6.0 but as there were problems with NTL broadband the NTL helpline told us to uninstall IE6.0 (even though it had worked for about a year)and then installed IE5.5 but since then there have been numerous problems and NTL said we should contact a local engineer to help, thats good of them, in other words they have mucked up the system and now don't want to help.

So we now have IE5.5 that everytime we try to surf closes with the send info to Microsoft window.

Also there are now 3 extra toolbars with porno on that we cannot get rid of, we have run AdAware 6 (removed about 30 files of various types including registry)and we deleted all of the temp internet folders including all cookies but the tool bars are still there.

Even if we remove them maually through the toolbar options they come back also the default homepage is always hotwebsearch even after running AdAware and changing it in the Internet Options box.

Please help.

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2 heads are better than 1, but 1 is better than a committee.

 

[carrr]

Set AdAware to the side momentarily.

Download SpyBot.

http://security.kolla.de/

Run it AFTER you download current the updates.

Post back if no joy.

 

[Nyg]

Hi

I have just downloaded Spybot and will run on machine, I will not be able to let you know for a while if all is OK as the 98 machine is on another site, but I will post when I have an answer.

Do you think spybot will cure the toolbar problem in IE5.5

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2 heads are better than 1, but 1 is better than a committee.

 

[carrr]

I think so...if not, we'll move on to another proposal.

 

[tahoe2]

thread615-668978 this thread, it will help.

Corie

 

[Nyg]

We started to run spybot and it had found some files then the IE5.5 failure window came up again even though we were not connected and Spybot hung and would not restart.

We had to shut down and restart, spybot will not run we keep getting the Microsoft error screen with send info to microsoft up half way through the proceedure.

Adaware was removed before Spybot loaded.

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2 heads are better than 1, but 1 is better than a committee.

 

[carrr]

Have you tried running the IE repair tool? instructions here:

http://support.microsoft.com/defaul...port/kb/articles/Q194/1/77.asp&NoWebContent=1

 

[HKinNYC]

Reinsatll IE6 and run Spybot and see if that works.

You've got a very aggresive spyware on your hands.

Any info you could give us as to what kind of spyware it is would help.

If you did not run a program that activated this spyware, than for preventive maintenance, make sure programs cannot just download on your computer without your permission. From the Internet Toolbar, go to Tools > Internet Options > Advanced. Make sure "Enable Install On Demand (Internet Explorer)" and "Enable Install On Demand (Other)" are unchecked.

 

[steamwiz]

If you're running ie5.5 - you should also have service pack 2 (SP2) - but you might be better off going back to ie6

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/support/ie55exsupport.asp

As for the porn toolbars.....

Please Download hijackthis from

http://tomcoyote.org/hjt

Unzip, doubleclick HijackThis.exe, and hit "Scan".

After the scan has finished the "scan" button will turn into a "save log" button

save the log file and paste it here

Do not delete anything yet, as most things hijackthis finds are harmless and needed.

steam

 

[Nyg]

Update:

It appears this machine has been used for gaming only, the first 6 months or so of its life it had no antivirus or firewall loaded and was connected through broadband to Kazaa among other things.

Therefore I am guessing that someone has had some fun at the machines expense and hacked to their hearts content.

We now have a situation where Microsoft Internet Explorer does not appear in the Add/Remove programs box in Control panel and IE5.5 error box appears on first boot before we have tried to start anything let alone IE, also very regular hangs happen.

The machine is in a mess, the CD also is not working and keeps crashing along with various other problems.

Please feel free to correct me but as we have tried most things and the spyware is obviously agressive, I would imagine format H/D and clean install is the best option here with a change to the computer name and full protection loaded at start.

The machine only has games on no data so no great loss.

What do you think?

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2 heads are better than 1, but 1 is better than a committee.

 

[Rob2806]

Format & reinstall is the best option, but before you do just make sure that you have all the necessary installation disks, authorisation numbers and drivers.

Have Fun!

 

[steamwiz]

If you want to reformat - that's your choice

If you want to try and clean up the computer first ( call it a challenge)

I can give you links to free on-line virus scanners - and numerous spyware/malware/adware/foistware programs that will clean up your computer.

Your choice - tell us what you decide

steam

 

[carrr]

You can wallow in all the spyware/hijacker removal info you desire by reading this FAQ faq608-3482

 

[euston]

Do fdisk /mbr before formatting your C drive. This will clean out any rubbish from the master boot record. Best done before doing anything else.

 

[runas]

In addition to all of the above on FDISK/mbr,Format, etc.After you format and install win98 you might want to use the excellent(IMHO) Ieradicate program found here:

http://www.litepc.com/download.html

before you re-install IE 5.5.(or any other IE addon)