Need some help with unwanted websites

[shell]

Hi, I'm hoping someone can help me with an annoying problem I've been having with my computer. It's got some kind of virus that doesn't register as one with my security system. Websites just pop up on their own accord, including those for win pro and such. I've tried going into my cookies and clearing them out but they keep coming back. I've resorted to using parental blockers to stop them from getting through-which is annoying in it's own special way.

Also when I shut down my computer a box titled 'ui pop up hidden' comes up and I have to end the program manualy.

I'm running windows xp. Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Michelle

[Reality Believer]

What security software are you running? I had the same problem a year ago and my older Norton didn't detect it, but it was detected and removed with Spy Doctor.

Norton 2007 is the best out there now. Compete firewall, anti-virus and spyware all in one. Highly recommended. Worth the money.

You need to fix it right because your computer might be compromised into sending out personal information or a subjugated into a spam zombie.

[prewitt81]

I use AVG as my anti-virus, Sygate's firewall, and Ad-Aware for spyware. All are free and I have no problems.

If, after running anti-virus and anti-spyware programs, you're still having trouble, I would suggest downloading a program called "HijackThis". If you want to go that route, let me know, and I can give you more information.

[SphereGuy]

You can also do a house call at Trend Micro's site. But use everything mentioned as some catch things others don't.

[PixyMisa]

I second the recommendation for AVG and AdAware. Free and very effective.

Also Firefox helps for not getting nasties like this in the first place. :)

[prewitt81]

I second the recommendation for AVG and AdAware. Free and very effective.

Also Firefox helps for not getting nasties like this in the first place. :)

Definitely. I also have a cleaning program called CCleaner (also free) that I run regularly.

[Soapy Sam]

So, tell us about the websites...

Sounds like a browser hijacker. But if it's legit sites- ie not porn - it may be you recently installed software (maybe with a new bit of hardware) and didn't read the 5-pt print that said "Click these 7 boxes if you don't want us to redirect your browser to our advertising sites."

[Tumblehome]

The "hosts file" was something I used to good effect with Win 98, but not sure how it does on XP or Vista (I seem to recall that XP uses the hosts file differently, or not at all). It keeps your browser from accessing undesirable web sites, as long as those sites are included in the list. The list must necessarily be updated once in a while.

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

[prewitt81]

I'll also say that I have yet to get a virus on my laptop, which is currently running Ubuntu Feisty. :duck:

[this charming man]

Avast anti-virus (free)
CC cleaner (free)
spybot (free)
ad-aware (free)
firefox w/ noscripts (free)

laptop has not had a problem in 4 years