Security Issues

[Sammael Bard]

I don't know if anyone else is having this problem or not, so help me out.

My browser redirects me to other websites. In this case, it's a facebook page which tells me that it stopped me from entering "Malicious websites". The problem is prominent when I enter Lit forums from that laptop, or simply scroll down the page. When I read a page and click on the next page button, my Chrome opens a new tab and starts redirecting me to other websites.

Is it the browser? I use Chrome, but it never gave me pain on the other laptops. The same version shouldn't be giving pain now. My laptop, an old one which I still use occasionally, got updated to Win 7 Ultimate from Win 7 (some older version). My friend offered to do it, and he did it front of me. There aren't many things in here, so it's more like an expendable piece.

Has the forum been bugged or something? Does anyone know how to fix this problem, or is it just the fucked up machine playing tricks on me?


TIA, just in case I'm not here and ye good Samaritans choose to reply at that time.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

No it's not LIT, but it is Chrome. There is malware going around that takes control of your browser and redirects your links, downloads software - mainly a false setup for Adobe flash player - and other assorted things.

If you have Malwarebytes, scan the c drive. I won't call it malware but when I did it, there was something it found and when I told it to get rid of it, it did.

I haven't had the problem since.

 

[Sammael Bard]

Yeah, the Malwarebytes has detected 50 threats. It's still fixing the problem.

Could it be the same reason I can't install my antivirus?

I use an external DVD drive for this laptop, and whenever I try to install the AV, my DVD drive just disconnects automatically. So the installer can't read the files from the CD.

Fuck, this shit is giving me a headache.

 

[redzinger]

I've had one a few times where you clean the virus, but it's set as a home page or favourite or default search engine so just reinfects. You have to go through and delete/clear all your settings to totally get rid of it.

 

[NightL]

Yeah, the Malwarebytes has detected 50 threats. It's still fixing the problem.

Could it be the same reason I can't install my antivirus?

I use an external DVD drive for this laptop, and whenever I try to install the AV, my DVD drive just disconnects automatically. So the installer can't read the files from the CD.

Fuck, this shit is giving me a headache.

If problems persist - make sure Malwarebytes is updated then run it in safe mode

There a a variety of ways to start a PC in safe mode depending on your OS version
http://www.7tutorials.com/4-ways-boot-safe-mode-windows-10
Do a search eg Windows 7 safe mode

Malware etc can stop / shut down anit-virus and existing installs of anti-malware programs. While Malwarebytes is my first go to, occasionally it is not the right tool. If you can pinpoint some exact issues - just do a search for those along with your OS - other people will have had the same problems and have written up solutions.

If you are unsure of a suggested anti-malware program - search for a review of it from an established impartial PC forum.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Yeah, the Malwarebytes has detected 50 threats. It's still fixing the problem.

Could it be the same reason I can't install my antivirus?

I use an external DVD drive for this laptop, and whenever I try to install the AV, my DVD drive just disconnects automatically. So the installer can't read the files from the CD.

Fuck, this shit is giving me a headache.

There is malware as well as viruses that can stop virus checkers from being installed. I have never encountered them so I have know idea how to get around them, but MalwareBytes can and does...get around those type of things.

 

[Sir Victor]

It is probably root kit malware that is very difficult to remove.

 

[Cumference]

.... Or a browser hijacker.

I've had good results with "superantispyware"
http://www.superantispyware.com

(And using firefox with flashblocker and adblockplus)

 

[Sir Victor]

Since he can't load a new anti-virus his system is most likely taken over by a root kit. Reload the OS or ask an expert for step by step help.

 

[VioletteSzabo]

I have had this same issue when using chrome. I scanned using spy bot s and d, but I finally got everything off my computer by just monitoring what programs were running, searching for their names (say on google) if they sounded off or unfamiliar. I finally found them all and it took a bit of doing but got them all deleted. It wasn't short or easy but it worked.

 

[Paul_Chance]

Based on the description it's a root kit (blocked AV).

Download TDS root kit killer (it's free), then boot in safe mode, no network, and run it. That should take care of it.

 

[NightL]

I have had this same issue when using chrome. I scanned using spy bot s and d, but I finally got everything off my computer by just monitoring what programs were running, searching for their names (say on google) if they sounded off or unfamiliar. I finally found them all and it took a bit of doing but got them all deleted. It wasn't short or easy but it worked.

Spybot can be highly effective - especially if run in safe mode. If I strike a highly problematic (OK - totally fucked up) computer I will run Spybot after Malwarebytes and maybe other anti-malware programs as well...

But - your second approach is something I would not recommend. That unfamiliar program or registry item or driver may well be a vital component to something you rely on or indeed vital for your operating system. While you may take extreme care to research each and everything you locate, others may not be so thorough. Many nasties will rename and relocate themselves on every boot - some will be disguised as common used files/programs. It is also very difficult to remove some of these while they are actually running on a PC when it is operating in normal mode.

What ever anti-malware program you select, as Paul_Chance mentioned above, run it in safe mode without networking.

Sometimes - (if you have backups) it is just quicker to start from scratch again - reformat and reinstall. Unfortunately that decision usually comes after days of chasing down problems.

Read up on Restore Points for your version of Windows. Win 10 (& Win 8?) will automatically create one on install of programs - but occasionally I will create one while the going is good. It is a simple process.

System Restore: frequently asked questions (for Win 7)
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/system-restore-faq#1TC=windows-7

"System Restore can make changes to Windows system files, registry settings, and programs installed on your computer. It also can make changes to scripts, batch files, and other types of executable files on your computer. Personal files, such as documents, e‑mail, photos, and music files, are not changed."​

So if you use system restore you won't lose files created after the last restore point/date.

 

[Sammael Bard]

I formatted the laptop and reinstalled the Win 7 Ultimate version. There weren't any files I had downloaded or installed, so I didn't have to worry about formatting it again. This time, the first thing I did was to install the AV right after the OS was ready to use. It's working fine now. Although the laptop is more for experimental hardware use, I still use it once in a while to surf the net amongst other things.

Much thanks to all who helped and gave the advice.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

I found if you want to avoid browser hijackers disable plugins. It seems they use the flash player to take over the browser. Of course that means no more porn movies. Also, disabling java script defeats them too.