Computer problems

**cpj.slc** · 08-15-2007, 11:06 AM

My laptop is doing the weirdest stuff. I was looking at fark this morning and I got a popup that started downloading some spywear software. I removed the software and now I have popups all the time, they are not scandalous popups, just stuff for free flights and fee free internet trading, but it is seriously annoying and I want to know why it happened today when I have looked at fark for a long time and nothing like this has happened before. Any computer guys that can help me, I would appreciate it.

**Buster Highmen** · 08-15-2007, 11:31 AM

Do you know how to look at services?
From the command prompt, type "services.msc".
Otherwise get there through your control panel, exercise left to you.

Anyway, I'm betting there's a messenger service that they're using to put up the popups, likely msn messenger. Disable that service using the services manager (provided you're not using it to chat with fellow poodle fanciers) and reboot.

**RShea** · 08-15-2007, 01:32 PM

Start with a scan from both these packages (each are free for home or personal use) and then let it remove all the items it finds:

Spybot Search & Destroy
Adaware from Lavasoft

If they do not clear everything up then there are a few more steps and things to try. One other that I use from time to time is Grisoft's Anti-spyware package. And a scan on the system with HiJackThis to see what is running causing these pop-ups.

**RShea** · 08-15-2007, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by Buster Highmen

Do you know how to look at services?
From the command prompt, type "services.msc".
Otherwise get there through your control panel, exercise left to you.

Anyway, I'm betting there's a messenger service that they're using to put up the popups, likely msn messenger. Disable that service using the services manager (provided you're not using it to chat with fellow poodle fanciers) and reboot.

Many are not using a service, but in fact they either have a hidden or burried file(s) like a .dll file or a standard executable file that runs on start-up.

**skiingsamurai** · 08-15-2007, 02:11 PM

go to start, run, type in %temp%
delete everything in that folder you can. It helps. Nothing in there is necessary, just shit your computer picks up online

adaware is a great tool for getting rid of shit

**Tye 1on** · 08-15-2007, 02:44 PM

i bet if you load Vista it'll take care of a lot of that stuff for ya automatically

or screw up everything you touch

**milton** · 08-15-2007, 02:44 PM

^^^ then download Firefox and make it your default browser.

**cpj.slc** · 08-15-2007, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by milton

^^^ then download Firefox and make it your default browser.

I already tried that. Internet Explorer windows open up with adds. Also foxfire will open new tabs with adds.

I tried spybot and it didn't fix the problem. I guess I will try the other one now.

**wi3dzmin** · 08-15-2007, 02:53 PM

O hai I downloaded something from somewhere lol and clicked on some links rather and now my computah is acting very weird haha... even sends me free stock advice and free prescription drugs in canadian... zomg puhhhleeze HALP lol!

To answer the question in the OP, we'd need some expert advice...

<shakes the magic 8 ball>

"Better not tell you right now."

You should srsly get a mac lol.