Expert: Lorry - 5/11/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have this problem. When I type in anything into google the search page shows. Step 1 is fine. When I click on the link, it redirects me to another page, what is the deal?

Thanks
ANSWER: Hi Tom,

The link you are clicking could of been hijacked. Does this happen on any and all links listed? Do a search for "AllExperts", click on the first result and you should get the home page of AE:

http://www.allexperts.com/

I would suggest downloading Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.4, a program that removes spyware, available from:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_description/0,fid,22262,00.asp

Check for updates before running. If you have trouble getting the updates, near the top of the Update Window, click the little arrow next See-Cure  #1(Europe), highlight the next one on the list, See-Cure #2 and try to download the updates. If that doesn't work, try the next one the list. until you get one you can download from. Being a free program, if too many people are using the same site to download the updates, some people will not get them.

Hope this helps!
Lorry

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Its only on certain links. It redirects me to another page that often has the title jump.

thanks

Answer
Hi Tom,

Evidently those sites have been hijacked. Run the Spybot scan, after updating. I would also suggest going to the following site, using Internet Explorer:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

Click the GO button, then under Virus Detection, click Start. You might be told that you need to download and install ActiveX Controls for the scan to work, answer Yes.

Write down exactly anything it finds, then go to: http://www.symantec.com/search/  and do a search for what was found. Symantec usually has a removal tool and/or directions for removing manually. Make sure that you follow the instructions for removal, step by step, especially the part regarding disabling System Restore.

Check out what Microsoft offers regarding browser hijacking:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/online/browser_hijacking.mspx

Hope this helps!
Lorry