I recently hooked my new PC that I've had for a few months up to the internet. I got Norton Systemworks 2004 beforehand. I was and am very determined to keep my computer safe from viruses, and all that kind of crap, so after a week or so everything was cool, until a few days ago I got a window that said Spyware was detected on my PC.

I also noticed that every time I opened Internet Explorer, my homepage was changed to from BC to "www.realsearcher.com/?aid=31635." I later found out that one of the symptoms of having spyware is unintentional homepage changes.

To make a long story short, I did some research and downloaded SpyKiller 2005. I cleaned the spyware off (first I had 26 spyware files), but the homepage still changed on me. And I also noticed that a list of sites/folders were in my 'favorites' that I did not add there. I would delete them but they always reappeared.

My question is, How do I PERMANENTLY remove this annoying spyware? Seems like this "award-winning" SpyKiller is only temporary. I don't feel like running Spykiller 5 times every day. There is always at least one new spyware file found a day. Today there were 14 new parasites found.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated. I want to make sure my computer is totally free and safe from all potential threats. Any additional help on this topic would be awesome. Thanks!!

I WILL be getting Personal Firewall too eventually...hopefully that will help too.

ALSO: Every day a few times a day I get a little window that says:

"Error occurred: program will exit now." I click "OK" and another window opens that says: "Initialization Error!" I click "OK" and it'* gone....what is this?

This started occurring after I got this spyware. I have no idea what kind of error this is or what "program" it is referring to. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks again!

Get Spybot Search and Destroy. Run it in "easy" mode, it is self explanitory, make sure you update and immunize before you search for spyware. I can surely help with any questions about it.


-justin

Run Regedit
>Local user
>Software
>Microsoft
>Windows
>Current Version
>Run
In there are things that boot up when you first turn on your computer, The only that should be in there is what your system needs (internet etc.)
If there is something suspicious remove it and reboot your pc.

Download HiJack this to fix any browser related issues. It is for advanced users, but it is very straight forward. Any questions about it, PM me.

I use a 3 piece system. I scan with Ad-aware, then Spybot, then top it all off with Spy Sweeper. Whatever Ad-aware misses Spybot catches and so on. Good Luck with your pc problem.
Deb

first things first:
1. What OS do you use? If you have windows XP download all updates and service pack two. this will help a lot
2. Do you use programs such as Kazaa? Weather Bug? Comet cursor? If so, GET RID OF THEM. These programs infest your computer with memory hogging spyware.
3. How do you access the internet? Is it through high speed or dial up? If it'* highspeed make sure you go to "my network places" right click the connection, and enable the firewall. If you have Service Pack 2, make sure you have the firewall enabled.
4. (don't have to answer this one) but if you go to shady websites, (such as ****) you could have spyware from there, even viruses.
5. You need a good virus scanner/realtime scanner, in addition to spyware. A virus can make the same symptoms you are describing.
6. download adaware. It seems to be a great program. Make sure to run updates on it atleast once a week and scan for spyware often.
7. Run liveupdate on your anti-virus software. (I do it atleast once a day. You can set it up to automatically run.)
8. Ditch internet explorer. IT SUCKS. use a broser such as Mozilla firefox or netscape. They're more secure, plus you're much less likely to get third party programs installed on your computer because of them. Tons of stuff gets through IE through flaws.
By following all these steps I have never had a computer virus on my computers.. they're running in tip top shape even after all this time.

that would seem to cover all the bases except firewall. i know you said you were getting one, so i'd encourage you to get something ASAP. if you're on broadband, especially a cable modem, you're hooked into what is essentially a huge network of some of your service provider'* customers. other private computers in peoples' homes that have become infected have open season on your system. get something like kerio personal firewall (kerio.com) to save yourself a real headache.

bonnie94sse,

Send me your email address and I will send you a program to get rid of the home page changes.

Rick

Use a MAC.....



Oh....



Wait....



Aren't PC'* great