How to get spyware on your computer

[Island Girl]

I have noticed that a few people here are using Smiley Central to put smilies in messages. I had that on my computer because I thought the animated smilies would be fun. It was not so much fun.

I had a terrible time getting rid of it. It put code on my machine that kept re-inventing itself after I removed it. I spent two full work days finding and removing all of its related software such as funwebsearch, etc. These free programs not only install themselves they install other more malicious software. I believe it to be a browser hijacker and spyware.

Judge for yourself.

http://computercops.biz/postt63087.html (http://computercops.biz/postt63087.html)
http://www.thundercloud.net/infoave/spyware/index2.htm (http://www.thundercloud.net/infoave/spyware/index2.htm)
http://www.iamnotageek.com/a/434-p1.php (http://www.iamnotageek.com/a/434-p1.php)

[lakegirl]

I have also had some problems resulting from the free downloads (smiley central). Luckily we were able to uninstall everything .... no more free downloads for me :eek: .

[KBoater]

IG I"m glad I'm not the only one that had that problem. I spent time removing the things and now I get a page fault randomly when I reboot. I would have to completely reload all my software to fix it so I am living with it.

[GWC...]

Knowledge is power and a little time researching would tell you about Smiley Central. :rolleye2:

It took longer than expected for this thread to appear, though.

Do a Google on spyware and adware before downloading freebies.

Remember, if it's free; it's usually free (your info) to someone else. ;)

Okay, okay, enough fun...

Try this link for some help removing Smileys, etal (http://www.pchell.com/support/smileycentral.shtml)...


Some interesting reading1 (http://computercops.biz/postp273785.html)

Some interesting reading2 (http://computercops.biz/postp273693.html)

Some interesting reading3 (http://forums.majorgeeks.com/printthread.php?t=28814)

Some interesting reading4 (http://www.iamnotageek.com/a/spyware.php)

Some interesting reading5 (http://downloads-zdnet.com.com/3150-8022-0-2-0.html)

Some interesting reading6 (http://www.threadwatch.org/node/1066)

Some interesting reading7 (http://www.seriousviruswarning.com/adware/addremove.php)

[Island Girl]

good link GWC. It also helps to download adaware from Lavasoft, Spybot search and Destroy and the new microsoft adware/spyware product at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en)

These should help you find the junk on your computer. My frustration was that many of the spying software kept coming back because it put the re-generation files elseware on my computer. I almost destroyed my install and reloaded everything, but kept following instructions from others and found everything.

It is not just the smileycentral folder there are others.

Happy Computing!

IG

[Rolie]

The best anti Spyware program I know of is a product from Computer Associates called PEST PATROL. The freebies are ok, but not nearly as effective at finding and cleaning out the spyware. Also, the freebies do nothing to prevent the spyware from invading your computer. PEST PATROL has cleaned my infested computer and has kept it clear of this type of malware.
I do not work for Computer Associates.

[Island Girl]

Evidently the new microsoft product mentioned above is very good. Our webmaster recommends it. I also have the purchased version of AdAware after my lovely episode. My machines have been clean since then.

Also if you search on Hijack This... you will find helpful web sites where you can run hijack this and post the results on these sites. Very nice people there will look at your posting and tell you what files are nasty ones. It is helpful to them if you try to remove as much as you can ahead of time.

Who knew everyone needs to be a computer guru!

[Rattlesnake Gal]

I haven't been able to use the Smileys on the forum, but have been able to use them in e-mails. Is this why my computer occasionally reboots on its own?
Yikes!
Thanks for the heads up. My son is going to love me for this. :(

[mcdude]

Thanks for the reminder to run my spyware program. I've had good luck with Adware (not the free version but the version that cost about $30). I just noticed that they have done an overhaul of the whole program (it will change your icon for instance when you run it) and there were tons of updates. So, if you have Adware, it is time for an update! Thanks for the reminder.

[ApS]

Upon a recommendation, I added Ad-Aware. (Works fine).

In searching for it, however, I got "visually tricked" into looking at Ad-Ware.

Being computer-impaired, I can't vouch for either...and am left to say...Be-Ware out there. :rolleye2:

[glennsteely]

.......from the link that Island girl posted......I had spybot, and still had episodes of crazy pop up ads and some of my features not working.......since I ran the Microsorf, I havent had 1 pop up and all of my features seem to be working......Thanks I.G.!!!!! I will tell you of another website that plants spyware and ardware on your computers.....it is called webshots......it is a picture website with some of the most beautiful flicks around......even some of the lake! Beware, cause when you download a picture or screensaver from webshots, you dont know what else you are bringing with it! Music lovers watch out for music sharing sites too..... ;)

[KTO]

You have to be careful out there, thousands of sites will throw some junk on your computer you don't need--even if you don't know it.

I HIGHLY reccomend Service Pack 2 (For Windows XP Users) It has a GREAT pop-up blocker and it keeps your computer VERY secure.

As my virus protection, I have Trend Micro PC-Cillin, which is absolutely great--one of the best I think. They come out with updates at least 2 times a day, if not more, and it is always one step ahead of the viruses, and will detect viruses currently on your computer, and threats that lie withing your computer. . . I'm not advertising it, just recommending!

[Pepper]

I've thoroughly enjoyed this thread, and have found it extremely helpful, as I have a terrible time with my pc being jammed up with crud - (two teenage boys who are "download crazed" have had a field day with it over the past two years). I'm now going to make use of several of the websites mentioned, to assist me in cleaning it up for good! Thank you to all who provided information!!!!!!!!!

Now, I have a little bit more to add to the topic.

1.) Never never never download KAZAA, or any of the other FREE MUSIC type programs available. Nothing is FREE as you all know. This program almost caused me to throw the CPU out the window!

2.) A great site for learning (beware, though, it's a huge site with a veritable library of information and can take a whole day to browse) is The Home of Steve Gibson Research. This site is, in my humble opinion, one of the most informative and useful learning centers out there. Specifically, look for the feature "Probe My Ports" and find out just how vulnerable you are simply by being online! Yikes!!! Visit it here:
http://grc.com/default.htm

2.) Trend Micro also has a world of information and tools available on their website. Go here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/enterprise.htm

3.) Symantec is yet another, available at:
http://www.symantec.com/index.html

4.) And then there is Zone Labs, which also offer great advice and terrific products. Visit them at:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp?lid=zadb_zadown

Island Girl, I can't thank you enough for starting this thread! Let's keep the information flowing here, and help educate each other on the ever-changing dangers out there.

[BroadHopper]

I find that having an anti-virus software, a spyware, and having a firewall keeps my pc out of trouble. Windows XP comes with a firewall. You have to turn it on as it is off by default. :look:

[Pepper]

I find that having an anti-virus software, a spyware, and having a firewall keeps my pc out of trouble. Windows XP comes with a firewall. You have to turn it on as it is off by default. :look:

Be careful about assuming you're protected. I did, and here's my sad tale of woe:

Regarding the PC I was having all the problems with, it was protected in all the following manners:
1.) Linksys Hardware firewall
2.) Zone Alarm Pro
3.) PCCillin by Trend Micro
4.) AdAware6 - Now updated to SE
5.) SpyHunter
6.) Norton Anitvirus 2004
In addition to all the above, I frequently tested my ports using Steve Gibson's Shields Up! service, and insured that I was always in "Stealth" mode.

Despite all this coverage, I was plagued by intruders - particularly Trojan-type, by virtue of softwares that had been downloaded by my teenagers. With the help of everyone's advice, I have now successfully removed all the malware, and the offending programs, right down to their last little hidden file! Wahooooooooo. That old Windows98 driven beast is FLYING NOW! Thanks everyone!

Just remember - with the constantly changing technology, don't ever assume you're safe!!!!!! Constantly make use of any and all protective measures available, and keep up to date on new developments as often as you can.

[KTO]

I would like to add that the Windows XP firewall isn't great. . . but it will get you by.

You know what get's me, why doesn't the government put a stop to popups, spyware, adware, etc.. . isn't it an invasion of privacy?

[ApS]

"You know what gets me, why doesn't the government put a stop to popups, spyware, adware, etc..."

Because once The Government starts with one aspect of the web, it will never end.

[Mee-n-Mac]

You know what get's me, why doesn't the government put a stop to popups, spyware, adware, etc.. . isn't it an invasion of privacy?

At the state level there are legislatures looking at making it illegal to install SW (spyware, adware) w/o the owners consent. Given there are already laws to punish theft of computer time, which have been successfully prosecuted, I wonder how come these statutes haven't been interpreted to apply here. I mean I didn't authorize "Co. X" to use my CPU to perform any of their tasks.

I doubt that your privacy is among the Govt's top concerns though :(

added links below - I had heard about CA but now it appears the Feds are getting involved as well

http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2004/09/schwarzenegger-oks-anti-spyware.php

http://www.grc.com/spywarelegislation.htm

http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,117646,00.asp

[SIKSUKR]

Im actually with APC on this one.The more government is kept out of our lives,the better.Having said that,we of course do need a certain amount of governing.Huh?What am I talking about? SS

[KTO]

Interesting links M-n-M!

It would be great to be able to charge these cruel people for taking our computer time--and also possibly wasting our money on expensive spyware/adware blockers (if applicable).

Has anyone heard of any adware with a title of Bullseye Networks (something like that). That place would get hit HARD because my parent's computer has about three of their products, not by choice, and in the past, I have had annoying encounters with this adware.

Also, another one I remember making me angry, and would get hit hard, is 180-Search Assistant.

Has anyone else had annoyances about the above two adware I mentioned? Just curious!

ALSO: you know when things are getting out of control when you have random pornography pop up on your screen--that happened to me last summer, and I had to reinstall Windows because of it.