Why does my homepage keep changing?

[sublime]

I usually have my homepage set to Yahoo, but it keeps on going back to some weird page (http://best-search.cc/index.php?v=6&aff=3995136) instead. I go to Internet Options and reset my Homepage to Yahoo, and, after a while of working fine, once again it goes to that page.

Any idea what I can do to fix it?

[David Prahl]

Sounds like you have some malware/spyware on your PC. I'd suggest downloading Lavasoft's AdAware 6.0, updating it (easy), and running a scan.

I read something a few months ago about such 'hijacked browsers', but don't remember exactly what the silver bullet was.

[sublime]

I should have mentioned that I have done as much. I quarantined and deleted 71 items and, still, my homepage keeps changing.

Am I doomed?

[drop]

Have you updated your spyware killer recently?

I use both Spybot Search & Destroy 1.3 and Ad-aware 6.0.

I think there is a freeware call CWShredder that could solve your problem. This page has a lot of information: A list of common infected applications and clean alternatives (http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=articles&detail=infected_and_clean). Depends on what wonderful flavor of adware or spyware you have, you use different cure.

Here is the link to CWShredder (http://www.softpedia.com/public/cat/10/17/10-17-150.shtml).

[Kacey Green]

I use adaware to remove baddies that get past my firewall and SpywareBlaster by java cool software (spyware blaster when properly updated blocks the baddies from even installing.) both are free. and easy to use

edit: see manywhere's post for a link

[PresBry]

You can also check www.download.com for a free program called Hijack This! which I've had pretty good luck with. It sometimes seems able to solve problems that the other packages miss.

Good Luck! :D

[manywhere]

Also download Spyware blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html) to prevent spyware from installing themselves in/thru your browser. :twisted:

[Don't Panic!]

CWShredder might help. It sounds like you're experiencing a variation of the CoolWebSearch Homepage Hijack scheme, CWShredder is available here (http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/cwschronicles.html).

HTH

Don't Panic!
Bobby

[sublime]

Hey, thanks for all the help.

But one more question. How do I install a firewall? Does one come with XP and run automatically, or should I download one?

Thanks

[Jacob]

Definitely get a different firewall! I have XP's firewall disabled, but I have ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp).

ZoneAlarm does come with a free version, but there are other free firewall options.

[Kacey Green]

Don't spend too much xp sp2 will come with a decent firewall built in

[OSUKid7]

I'd recommend getting ZoneAlarm and the Google IE toolbar until WinXP SP2 comes out. (or you can try the public RC1 preview - RC2 is due Wednesday - RC1 is very stable, haven't had any major problems on 3 of my systems)

[luiskim]

My page keeps going to a site called omegasearch... and i can't get rid of it... I've tried them all already and none seems to be able to find it... and i also went to the registry and deleted them manually but after a reset they come back on again... any sugestion? thanks...

[jgrnt1]

Here is an article on how to remove Omegasearch:

http://www.short-media.com/review.php?r=235

[ctmagnus]

8O That's a bugger to remove!