Suddenly my computer is running slow. Here are a few other symptoms:
1. When I click on a link or anything for that matter, I here my click but then I here what soundechos of my click where it clicks 2,3,4, or even 5 more times.
2. Windows pop up now and then that I did not click on.
3. Just seems slower.
Any help appreciated.
It seems to have a connection to Firefox, which I do not believe I have. It wants to make it my default.
Quote from: Bogey on April 21, 2008, 06:14:41 PM
1. When I click on a link or anything for that matter, I here my click but then I here what soundechos of my click where it clicks 2,3,4, or even 5 more times.
When I use Internet Explorer, this seems to happen all the time and I assume it is normal.
As for the other two problems, I don't know what their causes are, but a possible check you could do is to download an anti-adware program like Ad-Aware (link (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php)) and run a scan. Adware and other annoying programs can clog up your computer's net connection by tracking your Internet browsing, automatically loading advertisements to your computer, throwing up pop-up advertisements, and generally running in the background to waste your computer's memory.
Again, though, I don't know what your computer's problem is, and don't know if you already have that software and so on - it is just the first thing that came to mind.
My first suspicion is that you may have gotten a browser hijacker. Run your adware/malware programs to find and delete whatever crap the evil bastards who pollute the web have poisoned your system with.
Quote from: DavidRoss on April 21, 2008, 06:30:25 PM
My first suspicion is that you may have gotten a browser hijacker. Run your adware/malware programs to find and delete whatever crap the evil bastards who pollute the web have poisoned your system with.
My dad told me to go ahead and download Firefox....did it....seems to have cured my above problems....and is lightning compared to explorer. Does this make sense David and Brian?
Quote from: Bogey on April 21, 2008, 06:42:25 PM
My dad told me to go ahead and download Firefox....did it....seems to have cured my above problems....and is lightning compared to explorer. Does this make sense David and Brian?
Yes, because I've had it for a couple years and absolutely love it. ;D Great browser, have never have any kind of problems with it at all, except that PDFs take an abominably long time to load.
Although I should note that I'm doing an adware scan right now, and so far Ad-Aware has found 423 infections of various unwanted programs and internet parasites.
Quote from: Bogey on April 21, 2008, 06:42:25 PM
My dad told me to go ahead and download Firefox....did it....seems to have cured my above problems....and is lightning compared to explorer. Does this make sense David and Brian?
I like Firefox and am using it now. If some nasty piece of malware hijacked your browser (MS Internet Explorer, no doubt), then using a different browser would "solve" the problem. Note that your experience sounds fishy, Bill. Could some swine have planted a browser hijacker that promotes the use of Firefox? I doubt the Mozillans would have done this, but wouldn't put it past some of the MS-hating pantywaists who populate the web.
Quote from: DavidRoss on April 21, 2008, 06:56:19 PM
I like Firefox and am using it now. If some nasty piece of malware hijacked your browser (MS Internet Explorer, no doubt), then using a different browser would "solve" the problem. Note that your experience sounds fishy, Bill. Could some swine have planted a browser hijacker that promotes the use of Firefox? I doubt the Mozillans would have done this, but wouldn't put it past some of the MS-hating pantywaists who populate the web.
Talking to my Dad as I type David and read your post to him. He started laughing and agreed with what you said. In fact, he almost finished part of your last sentence before I finished reading it.
Brian,
My Dad thinks your crap could be leftovers from past use of explorer. Is this probable?
Thanks guys. Help was much appreciated!
Is your Dad in IT, Bill?
Quote from: Bogey on April 21, 2008, 07:04:49 PM
Brian,
My Dad thinks your crap could be leftovers from past use of explorer. Is this probable?
Could well be. I used it a couple times lately, on websites which advertised that they didn't work on Mozilla (like microsoft.com!) and a friend used IE on my computer too. Those uses mighta done it.
Quote from: DavidRoss on April 21, 2008, 07:07:00 PM
Is your Dad in IT, Bill?
He said, "Yes, and that he has been programming for more years than he wishes to admit. (with chuckling)". He got his computer science degree in '83 after 20 years in the Air Force. He's a great guy, and even a better dad.
Sounds like you've sorted the problem from a browser perspective but you could still have problems with IE itself. I wasn't thinking browser hijacker (though it's a good idea) but more like one of those annoying little viruses you get that don't do major damage but certainly drive you crazy.
Go back to IE and uninstall it if you can (not always possible). Personally I avoid IE at all costs and stick with FF.
However, I suspect that this may be a bit more than that. Download and run Spybot S&D in safe mode (after turning off system restore) just to see what it collects on the way. let us know what it finds
If you want to clean a cluttered computer you could do worse than download and run the small but nifty CrapCleaner. It's free. When downloading, though, see to it you don't inadvertently download the Yahoo toolbar, too...
http://www.ccleaner.com/download
Quote from: Jezetha on April 22, 2008, 01:15:50 AM
If you want to clean a cluttered computer you could do worse than download and run the small but nifty CrapCleaner. It's free. When downloading, though, see to it you don't inadvertently download the Yahoo toolbar, too...
http://www.ccleaner.com/download
Well its not possible to download it without the toolbar, for it stopped me, there was no way to prevent that.
Quote from: Harry on April 22, 2008, 01:35:21 AM
Well its not possible to download it without the toolbar, for it stopped me, there was no way to prevent that.
Hm. Try 'Alternative download' on the same page. I clicked it and it worked without any problems. Then, when you install it, don't install the Toolbar with it. (Btw - I first got it onto my hard disk and then installed it.)
Quote from: Jezetha on April 22, 2008, 01:43:19 AM
Hm. Try 'Alternative download' on the same page. I clicked it and it worked without any problems. Then, when you install it, don't install the Toolbar with it. (Btw - I first got it onto my hard disk and then installed it.)
No, not with me, both times it wants to download the toolbar also!
If you're a Firefox sceptic like me, you might want to give Opera a try. I downloaded the latest version recently and I'm very happy with it.
Quote from: Harry on April 22, 2008, 02:05:50 AM
No, not with me, both times it wants to download the toolbar also!
Very strange! I'll check again.
Later: you're right, Harry! I downloaded this version a few days ago - then the Yahoo Toolbar was optional and you could uncheck it. Now it seems to be obligatory... That's stupid of them. I can't believe it.
(Btw - I use Opera, too)
Harry, if you're still interested, try this:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4191.html
Quote from: Jezetha on April 22, 2008, 02:10:02 AM
Very strange! I'll check again.
Later: you're right, Harry! I downloaded this version a few days ago - then the Yahoo Toolbar was optional and you could uncheck it. Now it seems to be obligatory... That's stupid of them. I can't believe it.
(Btw - I use Opera, too)
Harry, if you're still interested, try this:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4191.html
This CC cleaner is fool proof, well almost, so others that involve more tweaking is a risk for me, that I rather not take, for I never know what is happening.
And my IT firm that keeps the computers trim, doesn't like those tools anyway, for they remove often what should be left alone.
The decision wether to remove it or not, is giving me headaches.
Better not do that, what?! ;D
Quote from: Harry on April 22, 2008, 02:33:24 AM
The decision wether to remove it or not, is giving me headaches.
Better not do that, what?! ;D
Harry, I don't want to cause you a headache, never - steer clear of CrapCleaner!
Quote from: Jezetha on April 22, 2008, 02:39:27 AM
Harry, I don't want to cause you a headache, never - steer clear of CrapCleaner!
I will, I will! 8)
An alternative to CCleaner is Glary Utilities. I switched when I grew tired of CCleaner telling me every week that I had to update to a new version. I learned of Glary Utilities from PC World's website and generally like it better. You can download it here: http://www.glaryutilities.com/ (http://www.glaryutilities.com/)
I'm very wary of such optimization utilities, having tried several over the years and never finding one that didn't mess up my system. Don't you be messin' with my registry, man!
Quote from: Keemun on April 22, 2008, 04:55:54 AM
An alternative to CCleaner is Glary Utilities. I switched when I grew tired of CCleaner telling me every week that I had to update to a new version.
Well, you
could simply have unchecked that nagging reminder in Preferences (or Settings, I am using a Dutch version)...
Quote from: Jezetha on April 22, 2008, 05:29:54 AM
Well, you could simply have unchecked that nagging reminder in Preferences (or Settings, I am using a Dutch version)...
True, but I've never seen a program release new versions so frequently. It makes me wonder why they need to constantly update it in the first place. ???
Quote from: Keemun on April 22, 2008, 05:37:45 AM
True, but I've never seen a program release new versions so frequently. It makes me wonder why they need to constantly update it in the first place. ???
I wonder about that, too. But it's a nice tool.
Quote from: Bogey on April 21, 2008, 06:14:41 PM
Suddenly my computer is running slow. Here are a few other symptoms:
1. When I click on a link or anything for that matter, I here my click but then I here what soundechos of my click where it clicks 2,3,4, or even 5 more times.
2. Windows pop up now and then that I did not click on.
3. Just seems slower.
Any help appreciated.
Check that only your anti-virus is checked in Start-up.
Additional points to consider-
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/restricted.htm#Setting
Quote from: Jezetha on April 22, 2008, 05:42:14 AM
I wonder about that, too. But it's a nice tool.
No disagreement here. I just like Glary Utilities a little bit more. But I wouldn't hesitate to go back to CCleaner should the need arise.
Quote from: Keemun on April 22, 2008, 07:46:04 AM
No disagreement here. I just like Glary Utilities a little bit more. But I wouldn't hesitate to go back to CCleaner should the need arise.
I just had a look at Glary Utilities. It looks okay. If I hadn't got used to CC first, Glary Utilities would do as fine a job, I suppose.
QuotePlease be aware that any member's standing on the forum...
Hey! Get offa there!
Quote from: Jezetha on April 22, 2008, 08:03:32 AM
I just had a look at Glary Utilities. It looks okay. If I hadn't got used to CC first, Glary Utilities would do as fine a job, I suppose.
I downloaded it, and started the software, and indeed does a good job.
Quote from: DavidRoss on April 22, 2008, 05:12:08 AM
I'm very wary of such optimization utilities, having tried several over the years and never finding one that didn't mess up my system. Don't you be messin' with my registry, man!
Comin' in late to this thread, but I'd second
David's caution here w/ registry cleaners, an option in
CCleaner - I belong to a computer forum Computer Tech Help (http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180099&highlight=registry+cleaners); check out the links provided for some 'varied opinions' on these programs (BTW, my moniker there is 'giradman', same avatar!).
Bill - as already suggested I believe you still need to do a thorough check for
malware, some programs have already been suggested; Trend Micro Housecall (http://housecall.trendmicro.com/) is a 'free' online service that provides a 'double' check, often one needs to run a number of these spyware programs to catch all (if even possible!); finally, if you take a look at the computer forum I mentioned, there is a sub-forum called
Cyber Safety - directions are pinned to the top, esp. for generating a log w/ a program called
Highjack This - an 'expert' in the forum can 'analyze' your log (often will want you to run other similar programs), and it is all free, but not always timely. Good luck & please report back your results - Dave :)
Quote from: SonicMan on April 22, 2008, 10:32:07 AM
Comin' in late to this thread, but I'd second David's caution here w/ registry cleaners, an option in CCleaner - I belong to a computer forum Computer Tech Help (http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180099&highlight=registry+cleaners); check out the links provided for some 'varied opinions' on these programs (BTW, my moniker there is 'giradman', same avatar!).
Bill - as already suggested I believe you still need to do a thorough check for malware, some programs have already been suggested; Trend Micro Housecall (http://housecall.trendmicro.com/) is a 'free' online service that provides a 'double' check, often one needs to run a number of these spyware programs to catch all (if even possible!); finally, if you take a look at the computer forum I mentioned, there is a sub-forum called Cyber Safety - directions are pinned to the top, esp. for generating a log w/ a program called Highjack This - an 'expert' in the forum can 'analyze' your log (often will want you to run other similar programs), and it is all free, but not always timely. Good luck & please report back your results - Dave :)
Just ran Trend Micro Housecall:
7 Malwares
Plus 1 Encrypted(?)
1 Adware Infection
And enough "cookies" to feed everyone here. :)
CleaningPhasers on full....NOW!(http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/images/kirk-phaser.jpg)
Bill - good luck! :D I'd still suggest visiting the CTH Forum, join up, and post in the Cyber Safety Forum; the process is pretty simple, and will just give you more confidence in your system - there are just some great people there that offer their services for no cost - Dave :)
Quote from: SonicMan on April 22, 2008, 05:00:36 PM
Bill - good luck! :D I'd still suggest visiting the CTH Forum, join up, and post in the Cyber Safety Forum; the process is pretty simple, and will just give you more confidence in your system - there are just some great people there that offer their services for no cost - Dave :)
It seems some of the infections cannot be deleted. Is this normal?
Hi Folks,
I am not the most technically savvy, when it comes to describing computer malfunctions/issues. I do know I have something 'wrong', so to speak, on my computer. It seems to have popped up very recently.
Not sure exactly what it is, I just know that I ran a Fully McAfee virus scan, as well as an AVG scan, and both did not detect and remove this 'annoyance'.
What happens is (and it does not matter whether I use IE, Firefox or Google Chrome browser) that on any website I go to (including GMG), there are underlined links, and beneath these underlined links (which look similar to regular links that you can click on any website), have fishy ads on them.
I'm assuming this is what someone might call 'Adware'. Different ads show up, but the most frequent one that does (I have not actually clicked on them), I just put the pointer near the underlined 'link', and it was display a small box with the ad is one called "Earn $77/hr from home, or Mom earns $77/hr from home".
If anyone has any recommendations on what kind of software that might be able to detect and remove this, I most certainly appreciate it! :)
Never ran across that one, Ray. I know some resources that I will try to exploit. That really sucks, IMO. :-\
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on April 10, 2013, 05:41:28 PM
Never ran across that one, Ray. I know some resources that I will try to exploit. That really sucks, IMO. :-\
8)
Well, it is more annoying that anything else! Computer is running fine. Just at times it is confusing if something is an actual link or not, and it changes to a different word or area when you refresh a page.
Quote from: ChamberNut on April 10, 2013, 05:00:36 PM
If anyone has any recommendations on what kind of software that might be able to detect and remove this, I most certainly appreciate it! :)
I've found Spybot sometimes detects things that my Norton and Macafee don't.
Quote from: Szykneij on April 10, 2013, 05:44:20 PM
I've found Spybot sometimes detects things that my Norton and Macafee don't.
Hi Tony, I might check out Spybot.
Perfect example of the issue I'm seeing: The word Norton type in your post, Tony, has that underlined link ad on it.
As I type my reply, it's not there. Weird.
I've also got Spybot. Do you have any adblocking software?
I have to admit this is something I've not heard of before. You may have some sort of trojan or worm that's not being detected. If you've got a Windows based system, you can go to the Microsoft website and download their worm detecting program, which they seem to update on a monthly basis.
Quote from: ChamberNut on April 10, 2013, 05:00:36 PM
Hi Folks,
I am not the most technically savvy, when it comes to describing computer malfunctions/issues. I do know I have something 'wrong', so to speak, on my computer. It seems to have popped up very recently.
Not sure exactly what it is, I just know that I ran a Fully McAfee virus scan, as well as an AVG scan, and both did not detect and remove this 'annoyance'.
What happens is (and it does not matter whether I use IE, Firefox or Google Chrome browser) that on any website I go to (including GMG), there are underlined links, and beneath these underlined links (which look similar to regular links that you can click on any website), have fishy ads on them.
I'm assuming this is what someone might call 'Adware'. Different ads show up, but the most frequent one that does (I have not actually clicked on them), I just put the pointer near the underlined 'link', and it was display a small box with the ad is one called "Earn $77/hr from home, or Mom earns $77/hr from home".
If anyone has any recommendations on what kind of software that might be able to detect and remove this, I most certainly appreciate it! :)
Did you go into your browser setup menu and see if there are any plug-ins, extensions, add-ons that you do not know the origin of?
Quote from: ChamberNut on April 10, 2013, 05:00:36 PM
Hi Folks,
I am not the most technically savvy, when it comes to describing computer malfunctions/issues. I do know I have something 'wrong', so to speak, on my computer. It seems to have popped up very recently.
Not sure exactly what it is, I just know that I ran a Fully McAfee virus scan, as well as an AVG scan, and both did not detect and remove this 'annoyance'.
What happens is (and it does not matter whether I use IE, Firefox or Google Chrome browser) that on any website I go to (including GMG), there are underlined links, and beneath these underlined links (which look similar to regular links that you can click on any website), have fishy ads on them.
I'm assuming this is what someone might call 'Adware'. Different ads show up, but the most frequent one that does (I have not actually clicked on them), I just put the pointer near the underlined 'link', and it was display a small box with the ad is one called "Earn $77/hr from home, or Mom earns $77/hr from home".
If anyone has any recommendations on what kind of software that might be able to detect and remove this, I most certainly appreciate it! :)
This sounds like something skype does, where it changes numbers on the screen so that you can click on them to call them. It is a pain, as it doesn't always understand that a number is not always a phone number. You may have accidentally allowed a program to do something similar or you may indeed be infected with something. I would start with my internet settings to see if you can see anything that might have changed there. But in terms of software, there are several out there. I think CNET has adaware (or something like that). You might try that one.
These are indeed malware and while they won't take total control of your PC they are a nuisance. This was originally a Firefox problem but it has now extended to other browsers. The bug is called Text Enhance and can be removed.
You can try this
http://botcrawl.com/how-to-remove-text-enhance/
Before you do that, can I suggest that you download Malware Bytes Anti Malware (MBAM) and run that in safe mode. The program is free. Make sure you immediately restart your computer. After you have done that can I suggest that you download this program.
http://www.brightfort.com/sbdownload.html
It sits in the background and blocks 99% of malware without you even realising it. The Free version has to be updated manually.
Let us know if either works. BTW, what antimalware program do you run?
Quote from: Holden on April 11, 2013, 02:55:53 AM
These are indeed malware and while they won't take total control of your PC they are a nuisance. This was originally a Firefox problem but it has now extended to other browsers. The bug is called Text Enhance and can be removed.
You can try this
http://botcrawl.com/how-to-remove-text-enhance/
Before you do that, can I suggest that you download Malware Bytes Anti Malware (MBAM) and run that in safe mode. The program is free. Make sure you immediately restart your computer. After you have done that can I suggest that you download this program.
http://www.brightfort.com/sbdownload.html
It sits in the background and blocks 99% of malware without you even realising it. The Free version has to be updated manually.
Let us know if either works. BTW, what antimalware program do you run?
Thanks Holden. I have Mcafee, and yesterday tried AVG free and then I tried Spybot. It still hasn't removed it. When I did run Spybot, it detected several potential threats, and rid them all, except for the one in question. It detected it, but said it was unsuccessful in removing it.
Thanks, Holden, I will try your suggestions. And report back. :)
Quote from: ChamberNut on April 11, 2013, 03:22:40 AM
Thanks Holden. I have Mcafee, and yesterday tried AVG free and then I tried Spybot. It still hasn't removed it. When I did run Spybot, it detected several potential threats, and rid them all, except for the one in question. It detected it, but said it was unsuccessful in removing it.
Thanks, Holden, I will try your suggestions. And report back. :)
How do you know the thing spybot didn't remove is the thing causing your problem? And if spybot detected it, why don't you tell us what it was that spybot detected?
Quote from: ChamberNut on April 10, 2013, 05:44:04 PM
Well, it is more annoying that anything else! Computer is running fine. Just at times it is confusing if something is an actual link or not, and it changes to a different word or area when you refresh a page.
i
Hi
Ray - sorry about your computer problem - sounds like adware/spam to me (and hopefully benign) - if you look back on my posts w/ Bill (2008!), I recommended that he visit CyberTechHelp Forum (http://www.cybertechhelp.com) - join and then go to the 'Malware forum' and leave a post describing your problem; one of their malware specialists will respond (may take a few days) and likely ask you to run a number programs and post the logs - have used them a half dozen times in the past (both on my PC laptop & desktop) - and it is FREE!
BTW - I"m transitioning over to Apple in my retirement - typing now on my new Mac Book Pro w/ retina display, and we're about to go out to a computer class @ Mac Authority (local mall) mainly to introduce Susan to OS X (Mountain Lion) - will likely order an iMac today. Dave :)
Quote from: Holden on April 11, 2013, 02:55:53 AM
These are indeed malware and while they won't take total control of your PC they are a nuisance. This was originally a Firefox problem but it has now extended to other browsers. The bug is called Text Enhance and can be removed.
You can try this
http://botcrawl.com/how-to-remove-text-enhance/
Before you do that, can I suggest that you download Malware Bytes Anti Malware (MBAM) and run that in safe mode. The program is free. Make sure you immediately restart your computer. After you have done that can I suggest that you download this program.
http://www.brightfort.com/sbdownload.html
It sits in the background and blocks 99% of malware without you even realising it. The Free version has to be updated manually.
Let us know if either works. BTW, what antimalware program do you run?
OK, I promise you - I am not an imbecile, but I have to ask the question because I simply do not know: What is running in safe mode? ??? :D
Quote from: ChamberNut on April 11, 2013, 01:47:28 PM
OK, I promise you - I am not an imbecile, but I have to ask the question because I simply do not know: What is running in safe mode? ??? :D
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows7/what-is-safe-mode
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows7/start-your-computer-in-safe-mode
Quote from: Opus106 on April 11, 2013, 09:29:34 PM
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows7/what-is-safe-mode
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows7/start-your-computer-in-safe-mode
Thanks, Navneeth.
Hi everyone, everything is fixed now. The following list below were the culprits. The combination of using Spybot, MBAM (Malawarebytes Anti-malware), removing cookies, re-installing Google Chrome, and finally (at the suggestion of a co-worker), running Pirform CCleaner, clean, followed by a registry scan and clean did the trick! :)
W3i.IQ5.fraud: [SBI $5ADC6E84] Program directory (Directory, nothing done)
C:\Windows\system32\AI_RecycleBin\
iCrossRider: [SBI $C6832577] Settings (Registry Value, nothing done)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\New Windows\Allow\*.crossrider.com
iCrossRider: [SBI $52E714A1] Settings (Registry Value, nothing done)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\New Windows\Allow\*.crossrider.com
iCrossRider: [SBI $52E714A1] Settings (Registry Value, nothing done)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\New Windows\Allow\*.crossrider.com
iCrossRider: [SBI $11B04738] Settings (Registry Value, nothing done)
HKEY_USERS\S-1-5-21-3633419910-4259067242-2189196552-1000\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\New Windows\Allow\*.crossrider.com