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Other => General Topics => Topic started by: CoJo on December 23, 2003, 08:12:52 PM

Title: Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: CoJo on December 23, 2003, 08:12:52 PM
hi all :)

ok, niceness out of the way ;)

what the heck has happened to my computer?? I have not changed any single iota of anything...all of a sudden, I am being deluged with popups...there were 12! windows of ads opened...closed the group from the tray icon and one would not close with the group...but I couldn't get it do open up so I could check it so I had to delete it by itself.

I got my update from Avast! this morning...but this didn't happen until I opened a holiday ecard from a friend.
any ideas??

thanks,
cojo
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: Walker on December 23, 2003, 08:24:35 PM
...but this didn't happen until I opened a holiday ecard from a friend.
any ideas??

Yes we have Cojo, you've most probably answered your own question.  ;)

Have you got Adaware/SpywareGaurd or any such applications installed ?. If not you'll probably need them.. . As a STARTING point  :)

W.
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: MikeBCda on December 23, 2003, 09:09:27 PM
...but this didn't happen until I opened a holiday ecard from a friend.
any ideas??

Yes we have Cojo, you've most probably answered your own question.  ;)
W.

If my admittedly fuzzy memory is correct, auto-update (or ask-when-available) checks for updates within the first 20 or 30 seconds after you come online, if you're on a dial-up.

And since checking mail is usually the first thing I do, that's typically when my updates come in.
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: raman on December 23, 2003, 09:27:10 PM
Suggestion as almost in this cases: Please post a hijackthis log !;)
http://mjc1.com/mirror/hjt/
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: Culpeper on December 23, 2003, 10:08:24 PM
Something similar happened to me at work whereas I can't install software due to policy and adminstrator rights.  If you don't have access to anti spyware software at the moment do a quick online scan by using this site:

http://www.spywareinfo.com/xscan.php

Read the page and run the script and let the program uninstall any spyware it finds.  Apparently, I had an entire package of spy and ad ware installed that circumvented the access controls on the network.  Since our system people are not too savvy and couldn't figure it out I used the above link that uninstalled the culprits for me.  
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: techie101 on December 24, 2003, 12:53:47 AM
Cojo,

May I ask if you use IE?  If so, I can recommend Window Shades, a popup killer.
It seems as though spyware has invaded your computer.  Nothing to really worry about, but we need to clean it out and put in some protection.

I want you to download and install these 2 programs: Spywareblaster and Spywareguard.  They are both resident,which means they are active all the time protecting you against spyware.

In addition, I want you to download and install Adaware, which is a manual spyware detection/removal utility.

All the above are simple to install and use.

www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html
www.lavasoft.de/  (Take the download from PC world)
www.g-m-m.com/Software/WindowShades/index.php#Download


Once you have the programs installed, we can update them and talk about using them to keep spyware out of your computer.

techie
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: CoJo on December 24, 2003, 01:15:03 AM
hello dere!

is it safe for me to post the hijackthis log on the forum?

techie, I already have SpyBot and Adware...which I ran and deleted everthing, but I'm still getting some popups >:(
especially if I surf...
cojo

Culpepper, I just ran the scan and nothing was found.
should I run the x scan?
cojo
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: Culpeper on December 24, 2003, 01:24:44 AM
On that website you should get a small window while it looks for certain spyware.  If nothing is found the window will disappear.

However, that website scan isn't all inclusive and I would install what Techie101 and others are suggesting because those software are completely up to date on the latest spyware definitions.

Also, open the following page and see if it detects any parasite script that may be on your machine:

http://www.doxdesk.com/parasite/
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: Culpeper on December 24, 2003, 01:27:21 AM
Go to your Control Panel and select add/remove programs and see if anything is there that you know you didn't install like Cnet, 180 Solutions, and Win32 Bi Application.  There are others as well.  Sometimes they show up in your list of installed programs.
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: CoJo on December 24, 2003, 01:57:06 AM
you experts have given me much to do :)
and I will finish tomorrow...I gotta make the bourbon balls tonight so the flavor will be perfect for Christmas day.
I am slow doing these things now so that I understand them better 8)...see, y'all have taught me alot already...not to rush pell mell into things!

will do my homework in the morning before noon...

cojo
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: techie101 on December 24, 2003, 02:00:44 AM
Cojo,

Ok...Adaware is in.  Spybot is great, but is not resident.
Install the SpywareBlaster and Guard.

From what you are saying, I would stongly suggest a popup killer.
If you use IE, Window Shades is the best.  If you use AOL, then a nice little program is called NoAds.  I can get you the links if you wish.

Update both Spybot and Adaware and run them.  See if anything shows.

I don't think posting the hijackthis log can do any damage on the forum except take up space.  If you want to IM it to me, I'll take a look at it.

I also have Spyblocker4.75  installed (the free version).  You can't get it anymore, only the trial version.  Now Spyblocker is a great anti-spyware program to protect you against ads, banners, worms, scripts and unwanted cookies......all automatically.
If you want it, I can see if I can email it to you.

Again, here is what you should have on your system for good protection:
Firewall
Anti-virus
Anti-spyware
Popup killer
Optional:  Cookie filter and Script Blocker

I don't think that you will see anything unusual in the Control Panel Add/Remove.

Later,
techie
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: Culpeper on December 24, 2003, 02:05:56 AM
Cojo,

Ok...Adaware is in.  Spybot is great, but is not resident.
Install the SpywareBlaster and Guard.

From what you are saying, I would stongly suggest a popup killer.
If you use IE, Window Shades is the best.  If you use AOL, then a nice little program is called NoAds.  I can get you the links if you wish.

Update both Spybot and Adaware and run them.  See if anything shows.

I don't think posting the hijackthis log can do any damage on the forum except take up space.  If you want to IM it to me, I'll take a look at it.

I also have Spyblocker4.75  installed (the free version).  You can't get it anymore, only the trial version.  Now Spyblocker is a great anti-spyware program to protect you against ads, banners, worms, scripts and unwanted cookies......all automatically.
If you want it, I can see if I can email it to you.

Again, here is what you should have on your system for good protection:
Firewall
Anti-virus
Anti-spyware
Popup killer
Optional:  Cookie filter and Script Blocker

I don't think that you will see anything unusual in the Control Panel Add/Remove.

Later,
techie

Techie

My spybot is resident.  It blocks spyware while I'm surfing I notice.  It has something to do with its settings and immune functions.  Also, I have found adware/spyware in the add programs area.  The ones I named above.  They install in the background without your knowledge and the uninstall functions don't work.
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: techie101 on December 24, 2003, 02:26:26 AM
Culpeper,

Yes, Spybot has the Immunize function but it is limited at best.
I think it may have about 400 "blocks".  That is better than nothing, but I have found their updates a little "slow".

SB and SG work in tandem.  But to each their own.

techie



Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: Culpeper on December 24, 2003, 02:30:46 AM
Nah, I agree with you and I'm considering changing over to what you suggest.

Got some links to those?

Now, If I can just get Technical to switch to SpamPal :-X
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: Lisandro on December 24, 2003, 03:01:05 AM
Nah, I agree with you and I'm considering changing over to what you suggest.

Got some links to those?

Now, If I can just get Technical to switch to SpamPal :-X

You won't ha ha ha  ;D
I tried SpamPal, it's a good one, but I prefer Spamihilator because, for me, it has better features (translation into other languages, good plugins, etc.).

You need links, see here (http://www.avast.com/forum/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=1509;start=0)  ;D

Cojo, for Pop up killer I use IE New Window Maximizer (www.jiisoft.com).
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: Culpeper on December 24, 2003, 03:08:53 AM
Got it! :o  Thanks guys! :)

BTW, Spyware Guard full setup download link is temporarily down.  They advise the following link on their forums:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3045.html

Forum thread:

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/index.php?board=34;action=display;threadid=18102

SpyBot even recommends Spyware Blaster for more protection than Spybot provides.  It's right there in SpyBot's Immunize window.
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: techie101 on December 24, 2003, 04:04:56 AM
Culpeper,

Sure, Here they are:
www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html
www.lavasoft.de/  (Take the download from PC world)
www.g-m-m.com/Software/WindowShades/index.php#Download

Good luck
techie

PS:  You really didnt think you would get Technical to use SpamPal did you.   ;D
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: techie101 on December 24, 2003, 04:09:19 AM
Cojo,

For Technical and experienced users, IE Maximizer if fine, but you need something simple and easy to learn.

NOAds will work also for IE, but I have found Window Shades quite an easy learning curve.

techie
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: Culpeper on December 24, 2003, 06:23:38 AM
Thanks!

I'm gonna give the Blaster and Guard programs a try on my machine. :)
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: CoJo on December 24, 2003, 01:35:09 PM
thanks to everyone...

techie, I downloaded each of the programs you suggested with the exception of lavasoft (since I already have it)

some of the items that I checked for protection showed in the new scan on spyBot...jupiter?...hotbar...and a couple of others that I never heard of...all were deleted.
do I need to do anything else now?
I feel like I put a chasity belt on my computer... ;D
cojo

Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: techie101 on December 26, 2003, 02:08:43 AM
Cojo,

No, you don't need to do anything else.  SB and SG will take care of things from now on and alert you when they take corrective action.

PS: Maybe not a chastity belt yet....Let's just say a little "family planning" hahaha

Hope the holiday went well.

techie
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: CoJo on December 26, 2003, 01:51:42 PM
sigh...still trying to get this right!
no more extra windows with ads...thank you!!

I ran Gibson's port scan and all showed as stealth mode except I failed the ping ...I'm using EzFirewall and it looks like the default settings are set to block any ping requests...
XP firewall is enabled...don't know if my isp provides anything ???

so should I customize the EzFirewall?
as usual, I'll wait for advice before changing anything... ;D

cojo
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: Lisandro on December 26, 2003, 03:17:36 PM
sigh...still trying to get this right!
no more extra windows with ads...thank you!!

I ran Gibson's port scan and all showed as stealth mode except I failed the ping ...I'm using EzFirewall and it looks like the default settings are set to block any ping requests...
XP firewall is enabled...don't know if my isp provides anything ???

so should I customize the EzFirewall?
as usual, I'll wait for advice before changing anything... ;D

cojo

I suggest you do not change anything... For Gibson's port report, you are ok  ;)
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: techie101 on December 26, 2003, 05:41:46 PM
Quote
sigh...still trying to get this right.
You are doing just fine!

Quote
no more extra windows with ads...thank you!!
Mission accomplished.  Your welcome.

Quote
I ran Gibson's port scan and all showed as stealth mode except I failed the ping
A "ping" is only a request from a computer to communicate with another.  The pings can go either way (incoming  or outgoing).  

Quote
...I'm using EzFirewall and it looks like the default settings are set to block any ping requests...
XP firewall is enabled...
As Techinical stated.  Your default settings should be fine.  We can help you tailor the settings should a need arise.If "ping requests" have been blocked both ways, this could cause some problems for programs that require them to connect to a remote server (computer).  NOT TO WORRY.  Just be mindful of this should a program that was working starts to act up (usually you will not get a connection to a site that you did before).  This is easily fixed.

Quote
don't know if my isp provides anything ???
ISPs normally do not provide firewall protection of any kind that would protect you.  Firewalls are always on the user end. (Hope I understood your statement) They do on occasion provide Spam and Ant-viurus protection.  The AV protection they provide scans their servers and in no way will it interfere with any antivirus a user has running on their computer.

Quote
so should I customize the EzFirewall?
as usual, I'll wait for advice before changing anything... ;D
IN general, my friend.  The only thing we will let you change on your own are your clothes.  ;D  Leave the computer settings changes to us.   :D (for now anyway)

You are progressing rather nicely.  You now show a much greater understanding of how programs operate, and are comfortable with asking technical questions and receiving instructions which you now can follow without a hitch.
"When the student is ready, the teacher emerges".  Gee...I heard that recently from someone very wise.  :P

As always,
I will be here,
techie

Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: Ulti on December 27, 2003, 05:00:58 PM
Couldn't see this extremely nifty program recommended, so I guess I'll have to do it...

Proximitron: http://www.proximitron.org , works as a local virtual proxy, and can clean virtually anything from incoming webpages (for e.g. "onload/onunload"-unloader, popupblocker, etc etc..).. As well as limit the information your browser feeds the pages you are visiting..
Freeware; rocks!  ;D


ps. When checking the link I discovered that they've stopped development of it, but imho no further development is needed; it is "complete" and has never crashed for me.. more info on for e.g. http://www.proxomitron.info
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: techie101 on December 27, 2003, 05:25:51 PM
ulti,

I have used Proxomitron very successfully.  However, it must be understood that Proxo has a lot of power available, and you must take the time to understand what it does and when.

Proxo can curtail much of your internet surfing unless you configure it properly.

techie
Title: Re:Popups Galore! What's Going On?
Post by: Ulti on December 27, 2003, 05:40:58 PM
Indeed it requires quite some configuration and thus; time.. But Imho it is worth it, especially since it, to me, was very educational on what my machine sends to the web via http, and what the web sends me..
But I too realize that if you're not particulary interested in "how" it works, or simply don't have time, will, etc, there are probably more suitable programs than proximitron..
I can't really say that you shouldn't try it if you're inexperienced in this area, since that was exactly what I was when I started using this, but partly due to using this I've learnt quite a bit about networking, network security, privacy and so on..

But as I said, some will and time are required, general pc-users might find this all to technical, and for them there are indeed much more userfriendly programs..

//Ulti..