Spyware or what ?

[usamaalam]

Hello everybody,

Whenever I open Internet Explorer or when a pop-up window is opened, another pop-up window opens showing casino website or something like this. I thought I have a spyware in my system. I downloaded Microsoft Antispyware Beta and run the scan, but still its coming. I also scanned my system for viruses using Symantec Antivirus client, but having the same problem.

Is it spyware or something else ? How can I remove it ?

Thanks.

[fahad k]

try erasing your history and delete the cookies. are you using windows xp? then activate the pop up blocker.

[dee-u]

Try using Panda ActiveScan also...

[RobDog888]

It is a low risk virus/spyware, I believe. Just a matter of getting an AV to detect it and remove it or maybe another antispyware prog. ;)

Oh, alos try trendmicro.com for a free online scan. :)

[usamaalam]

I have already erased history and cookies a number of times. I am using Win 2000 Professional.

I will try Panda ActiveScan and trendmicro.com and let you people know.

Thanks all.

[Dnereb]

you could try Hitman Pro as well. (it's a shell that uses spybot adaware and others to scan your workstation)
and it's free!

[mendhak]

In addition to the above, try Spybot Search & Destroy

[usamaalam]

I scanned my pc online with trendmicro.com but still having the problem. I will try other softwares.

Thanks all.

[thewrinklyninja]

If when running the anti-spyware programs and they do not detect anything reset your PC and log into safe mode and then run them, sometimes this catches things which were previously hidden. Also in MS anti spyware beta go into the advanced tools and check to make sure there are no unauthorised bars or activeX controls installed. If all this fails check out HiJack This

[gtilles]

Here is something that helped me, Windows messaging service is turned on by default in Windows 2000
http://www.jmu.edu/computing/security/info/winmsg.shtml

[DeadEyes]

has your home page changed?

tools->internet options

General tab

[dark_shadow]

ok have you checked your start up to see whats running ? when your on the internet have u checked to see what processes are running? anything you dont reconize should be turned off

[usamaalam]

No homepage is set in my browser. Certain different processes are running which I don't know what they are. I am trying all your suggestions one by one. I have tried TrendMicro, the problem was not resolved. Panda ActiveScan is not free I think. Right now I am downloading Hitman Pro and will scan my PC with it.

Thanks all.

[visualAd]

Do you mind giving the following information.

A list of your processes and the url of the website which are contained in the popups. Also, do you have any strange tool bars which have recently appeared in Internet Explorer?

In most cases this is caused by a naughty browser add on (BHO). Going to Internet Options->Advanced and disabling the "Enable Third Party Extensions" will probably cure it.

http://www.microsoft.com/enable/images/training/ie6/systemcaret.jpg

As you are using Windows 2000, you will need to download spybot or another application to disable individual BHO's.

[usamaalam]

Here is a list of processes. Sometimes, not all the times, I see a toolbar at the bottom of my IE, and its the same casino type things. I am going to disable the "Enable Third Party Extensions" option.

[CornedBee]

None of these is causing the problem. Must be a DLL.

[usamaalam]

I tried hitmanpro. It downloaded certain different softwares with it, and then I scanned my PC with it. Pop-ups are coming rarely, and sometimes I see the toolbar.

The problem is almost resolved, but still having something in my PC. I will try other suggestions as well.

Thanks all.

[FishGuy]

I use three main programs to keep my PC Spyware free in addition to my Antivirus and Firewall.
1. Spybot search and Destroy
2. Lavasoft Adaware
3. Microsoft anti spyware

In addtion I also use Javasoft Spyware Blaster in order to prevent infections in the first place.

I have rarley had a problem and when I have one of these methods has usually detected it.

Are all your tools updated with the latest updates and your system fully patched?
Secondly are the detection tools you using not detecting anything or are they detecting stufff but are unable to remove it all?

[usamaalam]

Microsoft Anti Spyware detected and removed some of the threats (I guess 6), but those were not what I am getting.

Actually this problem is in my office PC and pornographic websites are opened, thats why I am quite conscious.

Thanks.

[fifo]

Yeah, You should use some SpywareScanner like XoftSpy --> very useful for you

[dark_shadow]

if you can run these on your office comp
XoftSpy
Adware
BHODemon (searches for Browser helpers)
SpybotSearch & Destroy
along with the adtional virus scan

it may take care of the problem considering they will all find stuff the others dont and those are the best ones. these are also the ones i used when i had a pop up problem close to yours