Stopping browser popups, homepage hijacks, spyware, etc

[hxbro]

Here is something I borrowed (and added to) from dvdforums, I'm not sure if its posted elsewhere on df, but anyway.

Thought i'd make a thread about Spyware as there seems to be a lot of threads about it recently.

If you have a problem with pop-ups, or your homepage has changed or think Internet Explorer is acting strange then download and run the following tools.

Ad-Aware
Ad-Aware scans your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known datamining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components. Upon finding these components it will prompt you to remove them, make sure that all the boxes are ticked prior to removing. Also make sure that you update the ref file regularly.

Spybot
Similar to Ad-Aware in that it searches your harddisk for so-called spy- or adbots. Again make sure that the program is updated regularly.

CWShredder
This tool gets rid of the CWS trojan that hijacks Internet Explorer start and search settings to one of several different web sites. Most of these web sites appear to have an affiliate relationship with coolwebsearch.com in which coolwebsearch pays them for every visitor they refer.

HijackThis
HijackThis scans the locations in your computer system that may be modified by browser hijackers and fixes any problems found. Good tutorial on how to use it here

BHO Demon
BHODemon protects you from unknown Browser Helper Objects (BHOs), by letting you enable/disable them individually.

ToolbarCop
This utility can be used as a Quick-Solution to remove Toolbar, Toolbar icons, and Browser Help Objects.

HTAstop
HTAStop is a Freeware utility for disabling MS Hypertext Application (HTA), which is used by some trojans and browser hijackers.

Browser Hijack Blaster
Browser Hijack Blaster protects your system from browser hijackers and spyware that alters your Internet Explorer settings.

SpywareGuard
SpywareGuard provides a real-time protection solution against spyware.

SpywareBlaster
SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents it from ever being installed.

Start Page Guard
This product allows you to set your Internet Explorer start page and then guards that setting against unauthorised changes. If something alters your homepage setting without your permission and doesn't let you change it back, this product will change it back for you.

IE-SPYAD
IE-SPYAD is a Registry file (IE-ADS.REG) that adds a long list of known ad/spy servers and domains to the "Restricted Zone" of Internet Explorer. Once IE-ADS.REG is "merged" into your Registry, most ad/spy servers will not be able to resort to the usual "tricks" (e.g., cookies, scripts, popups, et al) that they use in order to track and monitor your behavior while you surf the Net.

Google toolbar
Google toolbar blocks popups in internet explorer.

Mozilla/Firefox
Mozilla is a better browser than IE, less holes to allow dodgy spy ware to be installed in the first place. Also does popup blocking, tabbed browsing, inbuilt google searching and lots of other nice things such as a better mail client (includes spam blocking by default). Firefox is a slim faster version of mozilla, has the same features and more - recommended if you just need a browser. Also check out thunderbird, a slim faster version of the mozilla mail client.

Bazooka
Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner detects a multitude of spyware, adware, trojan, keylogger, foistware and trackware components; sources of irritation that antivirus software does not deal with. The scanning process will only take about two seconds and tell you how to uninstall the invasive threat using simple step-by-step instructions or put you in contact with the vendor for the most up-to-date and safe uninstall instructions.

Messenger Service pop-ups (XP, 2000 and NT)
For Messenger Service pop-ups outside of your browser then visit this page which will show you how to stop the messenging service; it's for Windows NT, 2000 or XP only.

Windows updates
Visit often (once a week) to check your windows installation is up to date with the latest patches from microsoft. A lot of viruses only work due to the fact a user hasn't patched their pc with a patch that has been available for months.

Office updates
Visit often (once a week) to check your windows installation is up to date with the latest patches from microsoft. A lot of viruses only work due to the fact a user hasn't patched their pc with a patch that has been available for months.

Autopatcher
Large download that's updated regularly that contains the latest patches, fixes, etc from microsoft + a whole load of other useful things. Its worth downloading this every month or so and burning it to cd for when/if you need to reinstall Windows.