Practically computer illiterate

[skibum]

My computer has been hijacked. My homepage keeps going elsewhere even when I change the default back in internet settings. Also locking up regularly requiring reboot etc. I have very old and out dated virus protection, and old freeware spy blocker etc. that hasn't been updated. Can someone please explain to a functional illiterate how to regain control and suggest some freeware to clean me up. I have an older PII with windows 98. I can't even get to MS anymore to get their patches and updates as my computer states I'm not online! There really ought to be a law. I hate to trouble you guys, but I'm not a big user and can really only email and surf. I'm probably not looking to purchase any software as I'm going on the road next month for an extended business trip and may not even use this old warhorse for a year. At that point I'll be ready for a modern computer. I just want to clean it up and be able to exchange email with the wife, etc. Thanks for any responses. You may have to explain it like you would to a 5 year old.

[Lori]

Well this may not solve the hijacking, but start off with ad-aware.

Lori

[skibum]

Thanks Lori. I hope it helps. I'm sure either of my sons could set me up blindfolded, but Iraq is off-limits. Remember to vote. I did order some poker books for them today. They both complain their Sargent's are cleaning them out. I laughed like hell because it happened to me! My dad sent me Education of a Poker Player oh so many years ago. They are certainly getting better than I did! But going through so much more as well.

[Lori]

I'm sure you will get great advice when the real techies arrive, I'm a computer 'tard too, but AdAware clears out a lot of the stuff in a manner that I can understand.

Lori

[JAque]

You should have all these available to prevent infection as well:

Disable System Restore
Perform an online virus scan.
Download, update, and run these tools:
Spybot Search & Destroy
Lavasoft Adaware
CWShredder
Repeat as necessary until clean.
To protect against reinfection, download and use these:
Javacool's SpywareBlaster
Javacool's SpywareGuard
Malware-blocking HOSTS file
Optionally Reenable System Restore
If you still experience problems after doing these steps, download HijackThis and post a log to this forum

Good luck

JAque

[skibum]

Thank you both. I can't believe I'm even having trouble installing freeware! 'Tard aint the word for it! I'm gonna change my handle to SimpleSimon. Watch and see...

[Lori]

pcpitstop.com is fairly tard proof and does some nice scans on your system.

It's far from the greatest when it comes to actual removal of nasties, but will tell you how well your system is going so you can see it improve as you tidy it up.

Lori

[Cubswin]

all the aforementioned programs should be available from download.com if you want to do all your shopping in one place [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]