I have recently suffered - not for the 1st time! - a browser
hijacker(s) and/or plugin(s).  Symptoms include pop-ups continually
invading through pop-up blockers; a large search bar at bottom of web
page when opening Internet Explorer; added content to my Favourites
menu which I cannot right-click to delete, nor are they visible when I
"organise favourites"; an inability to access playing rooms at two
sites I use regularly, both of which use java control windows.  I am
operating with Windows ME.  I have downloaded several anti-spyware
programs (Adaware SE, Spyware Doctor, NoAdaware) all of which locate
some of the problems, but none that remove them without "updating" the
account.  I have tried sarching the files listed, and can delete the
non-malicious data trackers, but am unable to locate and/or remove the
Lop and IEPlugin found.  I would like to know if there is any way to
locate and remove these nasty little critters without spending any
more than is necessary, for what has been, in the past, poor quality
help, and without having to re-boot from factory settings, which can be
a nightmare when re-configuring my home network.  Any useful
suggestion/comments much appreciated.

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Request for Question Clarification by hummer-ga on 13 Mar 2005 07:44 PST

Hi rd4e23,

First of all let me say that it is very important to "update" programs
like Ad-Aware before running them. Updating will make sure your
computer is scanned for the latest malware, worms, and viruses and
does not mean you would be upgrading to a higher paid version.

First, run HouseCall:

1) HouseCall, a very thorough online virus scan:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Next, follow the instructions at the following website (all 7 pages):

Beginners Guides: Browser Hijacking & How to Stop It:
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1579

Two more tutorials to read:

How to: Spyware, Trojan And Virus Removal
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407

KRC Anti-Spyware Tutorial
http://www.greyknight17.com/spyware.htm

Please let us know how you make out.
Good luck,
hummer

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Clarification of Question by rd4e23-ga on 13 Mar 2005 11:08 PST

Thx hummer!  Give me about a week to review all u posted, and I'll
definately let u know!  :)

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Request for Question Clarification by hummer-ga on 13 Mar 2005 11:55 PST

Ok, rd4e23, it's a good thing to take your time and proceed in a
methodical manner. Once you start one of the tutorials, follow it
along, step-by-step - don't skip anything. It would be a good idea to
run HouseCall today - let it scan while you're away from the computer
(eating dinner, for example) and then that would be a good job done.

Good luck,
hummer

Browser Hijackers often morph and are persistent, even after deleting
and rebooting. I would start with CWShredder to eliminate the most
pervasive one - Cool Web Search. It will remove it from your system.
Download it and HiJackThis free here:

http://www.antispywarecompare.com/downloads.htm

Now the important part, prevention:

I've been successful using SpySweeper to prevent CWS. I personally
know the research team there and they have a lead on the rest of the
antispyware world. They have over 70,000 known spyware "fingerprints"
identified now. Download the free trial here:

http://www.antispywarecompare.com/downloads.htm

It costs $30 after the trial , but it works.