Genealogy Chat

I sure many of you will experience similar problems but if anyone knows of any free software I can download which will effectively prevent these pests accessing my computer I would appreciate it. Depending on what sights I am visiting depends on how frequent the pop ups are however even if I am just reading my emails or am on messenger, there is one in particular which is VERY annoying. It not only pops up but also dials up using a new connection which places itself on my hard drive and within about 10 seconds has charged me approx 75p. I am unable to close the page, click on the cross or disconnect it - all I can do is shut down pc completely and reboot - usually directly from the button on my hard drive which can't do my pc any good. The page is called: "HOT FLASH" or "HOT GAMES". Sometimes it adds a connection named NV sometimes GB or both together, I then have to go to connections and delete these manually. No other information in properties either so I can't trace back to where it comes from conveniently for them. The other day it happened 3 times within half an hour. As you can imagine I was totally cheesed off and I came offline in the end altogether. Does anyone one know if broadband prevents this sort of thing? as I still have the normal dial up from my telephone line. It's a long winge I know (sorry) but I would appreciate any help you have to offer. Thanks G xxx

Gaynor Have a look at Judy's thread, in particular the spyware bit (just nudged). Try these programs and see how you go. Dialers won't work on broadband (unless you still have a normal modem attatched). If you still have any problems post again. You did well to stop the dialer after 10 seconds. (Sometimes they can be removed in add/remove in control panel) Bob

Robert - Thanks I will take a look, Dwain I think we have a firwall of sorts that my husband downloaded and yes, we have xp - G x

Thanks Dwain just got your message - I will give it a go later G (Gaynor Clewlow) xxx

Do you have up to date virus scanner? Do you have xp service pack 2 (go to microsoft website)? If you can clean the spyware off, this will stop it getting back into your system. Be careful what spyware remover you buy, I paid for three and none worked as some spyware is really clever and stays hidden in your pc to reinstall each time it is deleted. I got someone who knew about computers to clean my registry (which is where it needs removing from). Good luck, Sarah

Gaynor.....you have a program that has downloaded itself, without your knowledge, that is generating those pop-ups. There are three programs you should download. ADAWARE will remove spyware that a program on your PC has generated. Adaware will also advise you of any .exe files, which are the programs that you will need to remove manually using your PC's ADD/REMOVE PROGRAM feature. SPYWAREBLASTER will prevent further programs from downloading themselves and SPYWAREGUARD works hand in hand with SPYWAREBLASTER and runs in real time, opposed to running a scan (like ADAWARE.) It's a preventive measure and should pretty much keep you pop up free. Judy If you need help with any of this give me a shout.

If you say the pop-ups are appearing even when not looking at web pages, it sounds to me like you are receiving Messenger Service pop-ups. If you go to my son's webpage at www.puseyuk(.)co.uk, you will find instructions on how to permenantly stop them. Also, if you are getting diallers installed on your computer Broadband is the best solution as this is completely immune to rogue diallers. Just remember to unplug the old dial up modem once on Broadband. Hope this helps. Wendy

Firstly I would just like to says thanks to Dwain and Judy as Dwain emailed me the link to Judy's message about Adware / Spyware removal, it took some time but was well worth it...... 385 critical files out of 422 which have been quarantined - WHAT a difference , my pc is running up to speed again! I have now noticed Judy's message about SPYWAREBLASTER & SPYWAREGUARD, Please can you let me know a little bit more? Thankyou so much.... G xxx

Gaynor goto http://www.javacoolsoftware.*com/products.html and it describes the products I would install both Spywareblaster and Spywareguard (they are not too big). You need to update “latest protection updates” in spywareblaster on a regular basis, less so with SG . You don’t need to do much more than this (spyware wise). Don’t be tempted by other products you may find, there are some which do the opposite of what they say. Bob

Hi Gaynor I stopped pop ups by downloading Google tool bar. Rosemary

Rosemary....Google is probably the only toolbar, if I were to recommend toolbars (and I don't) because it (Google) doesn't ADD as much spyware to your PC as other toolbars do (i*ncredimail adds it, y*ahoo's toolbar adds it, they all do.) Google toolbar is a blocker, it does not, however, remove what's already on your PC.....left to accumulate, spyware causes all kinds of problems and can eventually shut down your PC. Although Google prevents pop ups, it doesn't stop programs or dialers from downloading themselves on your PC without your knowledge....SpywareBlaster and Spywareguard takes care of that problem. Judy :)

Just another point on popups. If your running XP and install service pack two you will get a pop up stopper with that. (thats if you can install SP2 grrrrr!!) Bob

Have you tried www(.)puseyuk(.)co(.)uk/stopmessenger/ Also, SP2 is easy to install. Just download it from http://download(.)microsoft(.)com/download/1/6/5/165b076b-aaa9-443d-84f0-73cf11fdcdf8/WindowsXP-KB835935-SP2-ENU.exe and once downloaded, double click on it to run it.

Thanks Wendy Installed SP2 Ok on my laptop. Wouldn't install on desktop via update. Your link did work (very big 260MB) But Microsoft have told me to apply for a disc!!! Some answer! If this is the the full SP2 install why don't they tell us! Bob

I have had a look for Spywareblaster and Spywareguard. I found a sight called FREEWAREFORYOU.CO.UK which had both from javascoolsoftware.net. I have downloaded the spywareblaster but they are currently having a few probs with spywareguard so I will try that one later...... fingers crossed. I have protected against everything so I hope it will prevent all pop ups / ads etc. Does anyone know if it hinders access to any sites eg. mail order etc.? G xxx

No it shouldn't I use mail order sites no problem. If you suspect problems just disable all protection in SB to check and then re enable. Bob

Ok thanx Bob - G xxx