removing items from registry

[cjlovesr]

how do you remove items from the registry specifically items in the taskbar...that appear to be spyware...when you click on them they send you to some website for spyware software...and u cannot close them and they also redirect your home page to websites that promote more spyware software.

[onespeedreed]

I would not enter the registry and start removing entries.

For starters use these 3 free programs. They will help clean up your machine of vermin.

Adaware, Spybots Search & Destroy, Spyware Blaster.

[oddjob]

Originally Posted by onespeedreed

I would not enter the registry and start removing entries.

For starters use these 3 free programs. They will help clean up your machine of vermin.

Adaware, Spybots Search & Destroy, Spyware Blaster.

Hi Onspeed

That's good advice not to fiddle with the Regisrty but, if the taskbar icons etc. are what I think they are, then I doubt these 3 progams will fix the problem. It sounds like an infection from the Smitfraud/Spysherriff/Spywarestrike type of malware.

You may get lucky, however.

If not then do a general cleanup then post a HJT log for more speicifc advice.


Download Ewido/AVG Anti Spyware from here ….

http://www.ewido.net/en/

It has a fully working 30 day trial period.

Install it and update it to the latest definitions.

Do NOT use it yet.


Now boot to safe mode. Here’s a “how to” if you’re not sure ..

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...01052409420406


When in safe mode run a full system scan with AVGAS and let it fix what it wants to.

REMEMBER TO SAVE THE SCAN REPORT and also remember where you saved it.

[FOOTNOTE > this is a good program to use as an “on demand” scanner even after the trial period is over. Keep it updated and use it to scan your computer from time to time].

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If all your work doesn't succeed in fixing the problem download HijackThis from here ...

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html

unzip & install it ...
open the program ...
from the menu click on "Do a system scan and save a logfile".

Copy and paste both the AVG AS scan report and the HJT logfile to this thread. More specific removal instructions will follow for whatever it is that's causing the problem.


OJ