Expert: James Filmer - 2/17/2009

Question
Hello James, I have had a problem with a virus that I cant get rid of. What the virus does is when I open Internet Explorer or Firefox webpage, another internet promotional page will pop up. And if I keep the page open more promotional pop ups will keep coming up. On the top of the page of the pop ups it usually has CiD: then the name of the website. I downloaded Norton Anti Virus, scanned through the computer and if found problems and removed them, but I still had the same problem with the internet. Then I tried an Anti Spyware program, and found infections and removed them, but I still have the same problem with the internet. These programs do not seem to be finding the actual source of the problem. I have had this problem for a while now, and since nothing has been able to help, I just open task manager and close the sites whenever they pop up, but they dont stop. I would really appreciate it if you could help me with this problem. I have a Dell Personal Computer, "Inspirion". It has windows Vista, and it uses ATI for graphics and I am using roadrunner for my internet service. I also use an external hardrive to put all my big programs like games and files like music. I hope that information can aid you.

Answer
Hi Keith,

There are several ways to remove it. The one that might be easiest for you is this one: (taken from http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.php?showtopic=7569)

"RhysPhillips-

"The CiD pop-up is an optional sponsor for Windows Live! Plus! (messenger addon). Upon installation it will ask you if you whould show your support by allowing it to install intergrated sponsor support...

If you have this installed on your PC just go to Control Panel - add/remove programs - and select Microsoft Live Plus and you'll get the option of removing the sponsor support only."

See also: http://www.my-whiteboard.com/windows-admin/remove-malwareadware-cid-help-from-yo...

If none of the above resolves your problem, just let me know.