Strange things happening...

[davies600]

Hi,

Strange things have been happening to my computer since yesterday afternoon.

-Sometimes when I click on a link the window automatically minimizes.
-The minimized window is suddenly in a thin rectangular shape whereas before it used to be a square.
-My homepage keeps changing to: http://www.search-and-find.net/search.php?qq=66677208&pin=10213

All of these things are annoying me so can anybody help?

Thanks a lot. :)

[Stripe]

Sounds like you have a bad case of spyware (especially since your home page keeps changing).

I would recommend running an application called AdAware (Adaware home Page (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/) or Spybot search and Destroy (Spybot's Home page (http://www.safer-networking.org/) ). Make sure after you install these applications, to update to the most recent DAT files. Once installed, perform a check on the pc and see what it finds. I would run the application a few times to make sure everything gets cleaned. Once the pc is cleaned, then I would also recommend to run a virus scan. There's been a few nasty ones out on the internet recently.

[phishhead]

yeah what he said.

[davies600]

Thanks a lot, that seems to have helped! Spybot found about 30 things!

[rik]

Other apps that you can try are Spyware Guard and Spyware Blaster. They can be had for free from here: http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/downloads.html

They run in the background and work actively to keep that stuff off your system.

[egghead]

take a peek at Egghead's Spyware removal thread (http://www.techzonez.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9739)

you have to follow the steps to clean your computer

also you need to use cwshredder if your homepage has been changed

[cash_site]

Egg's Removal Tips are 100%, thx, they have saved my A$$ many times ;)

[joshsiao]

Yes, spyware is a growing concern. Since you are a victim of spyware attack, I recommend to also check your system for viruses and trojans.

[PoopSmith]

I've had trouble with Spyware, too. I feel your pain, brother!