Help needed if you use AOL

[Achilles]

I subscribe to AOL through my local phone company's DSL connection.

Today, right after Spyware Sheriff showed up on my computer and informed me that Windows had detected an infection in my computer, I started having MS Internet Explorer screens and ads pop. AOL is impossible to reach vie the 'net or phone. The popups won't stop.

Is anyone else having this problem?

MY AOL firewall apparently failed to prevent this situation.

Achilles:mad: :confused:

[JustRalph]

I subscribe to AOL through my local phone company's DSL connection.

Today, right after Spyware Sheriff showed up on my computer and informed me that Windows had detected an infection in my computer, I started having MS Internet Explorer screens and ads pop. AOL is impossible to reach vie the 'net or phone. The popups won't stop.

Is anyone else having this problem?

MY AOL firewall apparently failed to prevent this situation.

Achilles:mad: :confused:

Spyware Information: Spy Sheriff

This is an adware application. Adware runs silently on your computer, popping up ads when you're surfing the Internet (and sometimes even when you're offline). It's sometimes hard to recognize that you have an adware application on your computer because its popups look just like regular popups from web pages.

If you have a popup blocker on your computer, and you're still seeing popups, the problem very well may be this adware application. Some adware applications watch which web sites you visit and send this information back to advertisers.

From the spyware sheriff website:
Uninstalling SpySheriff
If you wish to remove SpySheriff trial or full version from your PC please follow these simple steps. Click "Start" button and select Settings. Choose "Control panel" in the context submenu on the right. In the opened window find and double click "Add/Remove programs" utility. You should see a list of programs installed on your machine. Locate SpySheriff, highlight it and click "Replace/Remove" button. Follow on-screen instructions then.

[xfile]

I subscribe to AOL through my local phone company's DSL connection.

Today, right after Spyware Sheriff showed up on my computer and informed me that Windows had detected an infection in my computer, I started having MS Internet Explorer screens and ads pop. AOL is impossible to reach vie the 'net or phone. The popups won't stop.

Is anyone else having this problem?

MY AOL firewall apparently failed to prevent this situation.

Achilles:mad: :confused:

I use aol which is vulnerable at times. The combination I have that works best is Norton A/V with Internet Security ALONG with PC Safe's Adware Filter...:cool:

[michiken]

The problem may be with windows stupid messenger service getting spammed, Microshaft Fix is Here (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/learnmore/stopspam.mspx)

Also try downloading 'adaware' and 'spybot search and destroy'. (You can also download 'AVG Free antivirus' if you are sick of shelling out $ to Mcaffee and Norton). Download.Com Most Popular Downloads (http://www.download.com/3101-20-0-1.html?tag=pop)

You should be using a firewall such as Zonealarm to help you see what program is trying to connect to the Internet. Zonealarm (http://www.download.com/ZoneAlarm-Internet-Security-Suite/3000-10435_4-10465074.html)

Try using a safer Browser called Mozilla Firefox (http://www.mozilla.com/). It does not allow active x controls which are used to install spyware.

Learn more about securing your computer by reading Wilders.org (http://wilders.org/)

Don't fall for the AOL 'safer internet' advertising crap. In my opinion, it is the worst ISP you could use and is too overpriced.

[Achilles]

Thank you for your replies. I'm already doing much of what you've suggested.

When I logged on this morning, and MS IE's home page started popping up (plus many ads), it occurs to me that IE has stolen my home page. I've visited some new websites over the weekend, and one of them must have been the source of the problem. IE is popping up as I try to type this message, and it fills my screen. I think I need to change something in my settings menu so that aol is my home page again, or restore my computer to an earlier date.

Sorry if I'm not articulate re computer terminology, but thanks for your help.

[michiken]

You have a homepage hijacker. It won't matter how many times that you try to turn your home page back to ie, it is an automated program that will just take it over again.

I hope its not coolwebsearch or slotch.com...?

[Tom]

Go here and follow ALL the steps in ORDER. Then send the email for instructions on ongoing care. Terrific site that works.


www.securitytango.com (http://www.securitytango.com)

Click on Dance the Tango. Download al the files it tells you to ( all are safe) and consider running the tango in safe mode as well.

Good luck -

PS, download a progam for getting rid of Cool Web Search, called CVShredder. Natsty little ting, CWS. Harder to get rid of than relatives at a New Years Party.

[JustRalph]

Spy Sheriff Removal Instructions

Kill the following processes
1950.exe
newdial.exe
spysheriff.exe
uninstall.exe
winstall.exe

Delete these registry entries
SOFTWARE\\spysheriff
SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\unin stall\\spysheriff

Remove the following files
1950.exe
newdial.exe
spysheriff.exe
uninstall.exe
winstall.exe
Desktop.html
Desktop\\SpySheriff.lnk

Remove the following directories
Program Files\\spysheriff