I'll start off saying this is a bit embarrassing. But I recently was trying to watch a movie online, it wanted me to download a player, I tried to uncheck things, etc. it seems to have installed something that's popping up ads everywhere. Browsers (and even steam) are covered in ads for an FLV player, programs to speed up my computer/registry editors, and so forth. They all have the same little line below them "ads not by this site". I've tried to find the program on my computer with no luck.

Obviously I screwed up, I usually don't mess with any downloads like that, but it happened. Any advice on how to find it and get rid of it, or anyone know what it is?

Thanks for the help in advance.

11 years ago*

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usual stuff like check browser extensions (all browsers, especially ie), run antivirus and check all startup processes and double check all again while in safe mode. Even simple stuff like Microsofts own security essentials, Ccleaner and spybot seemed effective at sorting my neighbors laptop out and stopped them bugging me with these issues.
Steam getting covered in ads is new one to me though. I'd probably keep eye on any suspicious activity on accounts after got this all sorted. Maybe even change passwords after all clear just in case.

Sometimes I think easier revert to day or so old (before this started) system restore point then start av scans.

11 years ago
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I don't think it's a browser extension as it's in several browers. I check start up processes and turned anything off that I didn't recognize. A quick scan by MS security essentials didn't pick anything up. Trying a more in depth search now.

I'd do a system restore but this was like a week ago. And I've downloaded stuff I'd hate to get rid of since then. Any way to keep some areas from restoring?

11 years ago
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I'm sure it wont be just an extension but leave no stone unturned because these malware often put or cause other malware or junk getting on your system.
I only really mention system restore as a quick dirty way revert any changes made if your not at all comfortable making changes yourself, shouldn't delete files but will loose programs/updates ect.
Programs Krotho mentioned are the most often recommended. At least a new av. if ms essentials let this through its time for it to go.

Another spot check is your firewall for any new rules been created.

11 years ago
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Did you check extensions/add ons? They will often install for everything you have

11 years ago
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Congratulations! You've now learned not to randomly install software on your computer. Always make sure to check for reviews and third party opinions on any software you install, including what will inevitably be recommended here. Next, create a new user on your computer without admin privileges and only use the admin user once you are absolutely certain about the software you want to install.

As for what you have now, it is a form of malware. I strongly recommend not visiting any sites relating to financial information, or inputting your credit card details until you are certain the malware has been fully removed.

To begin, there are a number of programs that will help clean your PC. Malware Bytes, Ad Aware, are highly recommended. Personally I find Hijack This to be wonderful solution, but you WILL fuck up your computer if you don't know what you're doing.

11 years ago
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I suppose I deserve the condescension. Usually I don't for this reason but whatever. It doesn't seem especially problematic so far, just really annoying.

I'm trying ad aware now. Also heard of a program called win patrol to help with startup filesa and hidden files. It seems well reviewed, anyone know anything about it?

I did, without thinking, enter my debit card once earlier on GOG. I'll keep an eye on my bank account as a precaution.

11 years ago
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My apologies - while I don't do this for a living, I've had to deal with this more than a few times. It can make a man slightly bitter.

I've never heard of Win Patrol, however from what I'm reading Hijack This offers similar functionality. Try using Hijack This, and post the logs on one of the several Hijack This analyzer sites, such as this one.

HJT will list all startup apps, any active processes, BHOs and a few other things. You can disable or delete the processes from inside the application, but if you can identify the problematic process, you should still read up on it on one of the malware sites. There may be an inactive segment that HJT can't see.

11 years ago
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No worries. I appreciate the help.

I'm reading up on advice from people who have had this problem, areas to hunt for the programs. If those fail I'll definitely try it.

11 years ago
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I had something similar a few weeks ago. However I have a shocking memory and can't remember exactly what I did to resolve it. All i did was google the problem (including the type of advert popup) and followed the instructions. Sorry this is incredibly vague but as I said, my memory is terrible.

11 years ago
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Use, and learn to use AdBlock Plus and NoScript addons... Furthermore you can additionally use FlagFox addon, which shows the servers location. Oh, I forgot to mention, they are Firefox addons. (AdBlock Plus is available to Chrome, but do not forget to add at least 1 list)

11 years ago
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I've got adblock plus on firefox but it doesn't seem to do anything. I still get ads, most annoyingly on youtube

Overall I seem to have taken care of things. Thanks guys!

11 years ago
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you haven't configured it. Go to its settings and add the easylist.

11 years ago
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His PC is infected. Adblock won't help.

11 years ago
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malwarebytes.

11 years ago
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^ Trust this man.

11 years ago
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Whats your antivirus? It should have stopped such downloads. It should have stopped you from going to the site in the first place. As you can tell I'm sure, your PC is infected. check out google for guides on cleaning your system. You will find some great sites/forums with instructions on how to do it with free programs.

11 years ago
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Closed 11 years ago by TheThreeLaws.