Need help with spyware removal.

[jasong]

Don't get alarmed guys, I had a firewall at the time so all my problems are local.

Basically, what it amounts to is that I gave into my on again, off again pornorgraphy addiction a while back and downloaded some software that I shouldn't have. Since I'm the only one that uses my computer and I'm ashamed of my porn addiction, I decided that as long as all I had to deal with was a pop-up or two every hour, I was willing to deal with it.

Well, I've thought about it, and decided that seeing a naked woman's backside every hour or two, even if I don't get turned on, is incredibly unhealthy.

Other than the fact that the pop-up is a www.sex-search.com(not sure about the dash) ad, I know nothing about where I got the spyware(It's been there for a while). I just know I want to get rid of it.

Where should I start?

Edit: Downloaded Ad-Aware and ran it, it found 133 "objects" including 7 browser hijack attempts.

[LAURENU2]

It sounds like it installed it self you might want to look in add/remove programs to see if it is listed there and un-install it if it is
Or look in your and your computers start up folder in taskbar and start menu
It might start that way

[CaptainMooseInc]

Here's what I suggest.

Download Spybot Search & Destroy. Update its definitions.
Make sure Ad-Aware is up to date.

Restart your computer in safe mode.

Run Spybot. If it requires restart to remove anything, go ahead and restart into normal Windows. Restart again into safe mode.

Run Ad-Aware. If it requires restart, do so again into normal Windows.

Once they've both done their thing, if you are still having problems after a day or so, download a program called: HiJackThis

Make a log and post it. But only if you're still having problems after a day or so.

I've spent upwards of 8 hours doing complete PC overhauls with virus, spyware, and other noxious file removals. With or without programs helping me do it. Hopefully we can get you cleaned up.

-Jeff

[em99010pepe]

I think you need a girlfriend.

http://www.firewallguide.com/anti-trojan.htm
http://www.firewallguide.com/spyware.htm

Carlos

[Merlin45]

Ad-ware and spybot I run both at the same time. well one after the other.
Also use spyware nuker

adware catches somethings that spybot doesnt and the other way too.....

To totally make sure you have it removed, Tricky spot to go is to manually edit your registry. But you can do more damage than good at times, unless you know what your doing.

If you have the time, I would suggest a format and reinstall. That way you know everything is gone.

I personally go with the short term of spyware/adware programs, but mostly go with a total reinstall of the OS and programs. ( once every 6 months reinstall of OS on the internet computer. Yes I know overkill. But they dont always get them all.)

[Digital Parasite]

Even if you run spyware removers they can't aways remove everything and sometimes broken junk gets left behind. The only real way you can be sure to get everything cleaned and have a "stable" OS is re-installing it.

With all the crap that builds up in the Windows registry, it's not a bad idea to do that every once in a while anyways. And hopefully it will take you less than 8 hours to re-install XP over running all the different combos of Spyware removers.

[Shish]

Spybot also provides you with a link to Spyware Blaster which it`s worth installing as well. Adds IE or other browser protection in the background.
Sounds like you`ve maybe installed some of the stuff yourself from inside one of the sites. Add remove programs should normally show some of the dialers etc you end up with.

[gopher_yarrowzoo]

Okay you can follow all it says on this page someone's basically written it as a how to guide (and it works too)
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407
Good Ol' Major Geeks gotta love 'em

[CaptainMooseInc]

Oh and jasong. If you're running Windows XP I suggest you get this tool before doing anything:

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/winsockxpfix.html

It's called WinSock XP Fix (really Jeff? I mean it's in the address, don't tell me that you idiot!).

Many times when you do massive amounts of spyware removal at once, you end up getting registry settings and various other files removed your WinSock settings will go psychotic and you won't be able to connect to the Internet.

When I first ran into this problem I couldn't figure what was wrong so I took it to Best Buy for diagnostics and they told me what it was and wanted to charge me $50 to fix them.I found that free program and it took less than 2 seconds to save $50.

Now I keep it on a stick drive at all times.

-Jeff

[jasong]

I think you need a girlfriend.

http://www.firewallguide.com/anti-trojan.htm
http://www.firewallguide.com/spyware.htm

Carlos

The irony is that if I had a girlfriend, I'd be happy AND I wouldn't try to get her to put out. The problem shows up when I'm super-lonely, and the naked ladies just get me more depressed(from guilt).

[jasong]

Here's what I suggest.

Download Spybot Search & Destroy. Update its definitions.
Make sure Ad-Aware is up to date.

Restart your computer in safe mode.

Run Spybot. If it requires restart to remove anything, go ahead and restart into normal Windows. Restart again into safe mode.

Run Ad-Aware. If it requires restart, do so again into normal Windows.

Once they've both done their thing, if you are still having problems after a day or so, download a program called: HiJackThis

Make a log and post it. But only if you're still having problems after a day or so.

I've spent upwards of 8 hours doing complete PC overhauls with virus, spyware, and other noxious file removals. With or without programs helping me do it. Hopefully we can get you cleaned up.

-Jeff

I'll do this as soon as I finish reading this thread.

[jasong]

Well it hasn't shown up for a while(the popups), so I'm assuming everything is gone.

Thanks guys.

[Chuck]

Jason,
One last thing.... once you are sure things are gone..... make a GHOST copy of your boot partition (C) on DVD/CD.

You can always reinstall the boot sector from the installation CD if Ghost fails to get it correct.

This last piece has saved me a few headaches after having done all the work everyone stated above from other sites (doesn't have to be a porn site) that invade the machine.

I keep my C partition backup within 6 months of current at all times. It is of great help if I muck with the registry and system restore (or other tools) can't fix it. I have too much music software and other tools to reinstall easily. (A cold format & install takes about 10-12 days to complete and then I begin reprogramming all my audio tools' presets from scratch).

C.