homepage keeps changing

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tom
  • Start date Start date
T

Tom

I have msn set as my home page (using windows XP Home
version and the latest explorer updated with service
packs) and every time I log on and frequently when I
change windows I get cool search as a home page.

Changing in inter net options sometimes lasts for 2
minutes and sometimes for a few hours but it keeps going
back to cool search (which I have never used)

How do I block cool search from taking over my computer?
 
Tom said:
I have msn set as my home page (using windows XP Home
version and the latest explorer updated with service
packs) and every time I log on and frequently when I
change windows I get cool search as a home page.

Changing in inter net options sometimes lasts for 2
minutes and sometimes for a few hours but it keeps going
back to cool search (which I have never used)

How do I block cool search from taking over my computer?
Click to expand...

Hi Tom,

Sounds like you've been infected with some spyware, specifically the
notorious "homepage hijacker" variant. From what you say, it could be this
nasty critter:

http://www.spywareguide.com/product_show.php?SPY=599

(www.spywareguide.com is a good guide to spyware in general, and well worth
a thorough reading)

Extremely annoying. Download a good spyware scanner and let it clean your
system. I personally use Spybot Search & Destroy (http://security.kolla.de),
which is free. I used to use Ad-Aware (www.lavasoft.de) but recently I've
been hearing adverse things about it, hence my preference for Spybot S&D.

While you're at it, here's some general advice:

1) invest in a good firewall, or at the very least turn on the built-in XP
firewall. Zone-Alarm (www.zonelabs.com) is free for personal use. ZA has the
advantage over the XP firewall that it detects OUTBOUND connections as well
as incoming ones; hence, it'll give you early warning if a program is
attempting to connect to the internet without your knowledge.
2) Make sure you're up to date with the latest security patches from
Microsoft Windows Update.
3) If you don't already have an up-to-date virus scanner, GET ONE!

Hope this helps..
 
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