computer help

[Victory_Rose]

I am using internet explorer 7, when i type something in google or live search to search for a site, the search performs as normal. But when i click on a link on the search results page i get taken to a page hosted by get search. any ideas how to correct this issue or what may be causing it?

 

[Christopher1983]

Well

It sounds like you could possibly have a spyware problem. I recall having one that didn't take me to pages I purposefully tried to go to. Redirecting me to sites to purchase things.

Try running a scan of your computer.

Then check out your start up configuration, disabling any program that you're not familiar with.

 

[cd1_christine]

Definitely spyware.

Then check out your start up configuration, disabling any program that you're not familiar with.

This is a good way to break your computer, if you're not really familiar with how Windows starts up.

There are plenty of required programs that, if disabled, will do nasty things to your computer, but they're not something that a non-techie would have ever heard of.
But there are also lots of things that start up that aren't listed in MSConfig (startup config utility that comes with Windows.) Infections like this can easily hide in multiple places, so unless you get them all, it'll just reinstall when you restart the machine.


However, running a scan is definitely a good idea. The only problem is, finding the best tools to scan with. There's an awful lot of rogue antispyware/antivirus software out there, that does more harm than good, and causes serious problems.

Javacool SpywareBlaster (www.javacoolsoftware.com),
SuperAntiSpyware (www.superantispyware.com),
MalwareBytes Anti-Malware (www.malwarebytes.com),
are all good ones, and free.
Spyware Terminator (www.spywareterminator.com) is another good one, but it's got a mildly annoying resident shield, that can give alarming warnings when doing something innocuous like installing a program.

If all else fails, there's a business I've recommended to people who've asked that does this kind of thing over the Internet. No need to disconnect your computer, and no need to pay someone ridiculous amounts of money to come see you.
Their link is at the bottom of my sig.

 

[fgarvb1]

I...Don't use Goggle or MSN as a first choice search engine,

I will tell you why.

I find some part or product, on line at work that I have some company or the other looking for it...and I cal them and tell them what to search for and they can't find it on Goggle or MSN...(I use Yahoo Search).

They can't understand why they can't find it with their search engine.

Perhaps if the site they are hunting Pays to play it might make a difference.

or I could be be blowing smoke out my ass.

Now as for IE7, Microsoft stuff almost always need to be tuned a little before it behaves.

 

[Quoll]

It's a DNS redirector, Malwarebytes usually fixes them, download the free version, let it update then run the quick scan. After it has cleaned the files reboot and run it again, that should fix it.

From a security point of view I would seriously look at Opera or Firefox as your primary browser.

 

[Victory_Rose]

thanks for all the info, it is nice to get a response. Unfortunately, i have run spybot, adaware, malwarebytes and they have all fond nothing, and i am still having the same issues. any other suggestions?

 

[RawHumor]

What is the site that you get redirected to?

getsearch.com?

 

[Victory_Rose]

it starts off as a getsearch.com site and then usually end up on various shopping sites.

 

[RawHumor]

it starts off as a getsearch.com site and then usually end up on various shopping sites.

I didn't find anything negative about the site on google.

Hmmmm... unfortunately, I don't have long to look right now, but it sure sounds like some sort of malware to me.

 

[SweetErika]

Have you read articles on combating browser hijacking like this one?

Do you have any toolbars installed?

 

[stickNberries]

check and reset IE to default settings...your default search engine.

aside from malware hunting...

A first response might be to reset IE to default settings.

Goto tools, internet options, Advanced tab then find reset button below...
"Reset Internet Explorer Settings" Click button, close browser and restart your computer.

Once you are back up.
Set/Reset Default Search Engine.
Goto tools, Internet option, "Search" and "Settings" button...the rest will be intuitive for you.

Additionally IE 8 has been released to the public.
Upgrading to this version maybe advisable for you.
I am impressed with it personally, being a new MS product.
you will find there a is mild learning curve upon starting with it
like anything. most notable are new security features...
which for someone that uses any version of IE for real web surfing will be
of significant benefit.

XP
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...d5-8c3d-4347-8c03-08cdecd8852b&displaylang=en

Vista
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...B4-C610-4A1E-811D-DFE0F1DD84D1&displaylang=en

please feel free to pm me for additional info/support.



ps. regarding the potential of malware as addressed by microsoft.

http://onecare.live.com/site/en-Us/default.htm