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General discussion

Changing browser title bar

Aug 27, 2005 9:34AM PDT

Back in the day, I had Verizon Online DSL but have since switched to a Optimun Online. Every time I open IE, the browser title reads, "Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by Verizon Online". How Can I remove this permanantly? So far, deleting all the Verizon folders I can find hasn't worked. I'm running XP SP2, P3 700mhz, 256 RAM on wireless network. Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Spyware Blaster can...
Aug 27, 2005 11:55AM PDT

While some else may recommend a small utility or simple file edit to get the job done, I'd like to recommend Spyware Blaster. The free antispyware program contains a list of ActiveX controls, cookies, and websites which are known to contain spyware and unwanted goodies. Once the program is configured, it will automatically block these offenders, even if the program isn't running! (It won't tax your system resources.) It works with both Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox. Aside from that, it can back up your Internet Explorer settings and allow you to revert back if something becomes screwed up.

By now you're probably wondering why I'm recommending this program as a solution. Well, if you go tools->Misc. IE Settings you'll find the ability to change the IE Title, in this case ''Microsoft Internet Explorer provided by Verizon Online'' to whatever you want. Since this small (2.44MB) program removes your particular annoyance and protects you from certain types of spyware without using precious system resources, it is definately a must-have.

Hope this helps,
John

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Thanks for the great info.......
Aug 27, 2005 1:41PM PDT

I agree with you about Spyware blaster. I know all about it and have used it for quite a while now. Do you know if the Active X controlls and other settings on this program prevent Windows Update from functioning properly? I can't access Win Update page right now. Thanks.

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Nope, they don't...
Aug 27, 2005 4:33PM PDT

If you go protection->Internet Explorer, you can see the list of ActiveX controls that are blocked. Then under Tools->custom blocking you can check out any other ActiveX controls that have been added. Spyware Blaster only blocks those that are on the list (not ActiveX in general), so it souldn't be interfering with Windows Update. You might want to post the details of your update problem in either a new thread here or in the Windows XP forum.

Hope this helps,
John

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Spyware Blaster and Microsoft anti-spyware
Aug 28, 2005 9:29PM PDT

I downloaded the Microsoft anti-spyware program and it did not detect ANYTHING. Spybot and Ad-aware both detected spyware, which I had them remove. I also downloaded SpywareBlaster and my computer slowed to a crawl. I would rather have the spyware and then remove it than have a s-l-o-w computer! (I have a cable connection but S/Blaster made it like dial-up).

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Strange...
Aug 29, 2005 1:53AM PDT

Lavasoft's AdAware is designed to catch adware, not spyware, although the two frequently overlap.

MS Antispyware and SpyBot are both excellent programs, but since they're not all created equally, one will catch something the other doesn't. That's why it's best to have/run multiple scans, just to be sure everything's caught. Even though MS AS hasn't caught anything, I'd still keep it installed/running, just in case SpyBot misses something.

I have Spyware Blaster installed with no problems while using a 4Mbps cable connection. All speed tests have come back the same as before the installation, and it has automatically blocked some tracking cookies that my firewall didn't and Adaware's scan had previously missed. Since it is not an active scanner, per se, it shouldn't have caused a slowdown. Are you sure that it was Spyware Blaster that was causing the problem, and that it was the real program from Javacool Software, not an impostor?

John

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Spyware Blaster
Aug 30, 2005 4:15AM PDT

Hi John, thanks for replying. I don't know 100% that I had the "REAL" SpywareBlaster; I got it from the JavaCool website. The shortcut icon is a little man with a shield. I keep trying different spyware programs to find one that is all-in-one (i.e. spyware, adware, virus, etc.). Probably no such animal! BTW, do you know anything about AdwareAlert? I downloaded it and ran it and it detected 16 somethings (this was just after I ran LavaSoft Ad-aware). It is a one time price of $19.95 + $9.95 for registry cleaning, if that's wanted too.
Meanwhile, Ad-aware & Spybot are doing a pretty fair job for me. I seem to vacuum up spyware everywhere I go. Betsy H.

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Use SpywareBlaster, Spybot S&D, and AdAwareSE...
Aug 30, 2005 9:50AM PDT

Use them together. Be sure to delete Quarantined items as each program may "detect" them as a problem. Also, you can't just run it once. A while back when I was new to these programs, I ran scans on an infected computer over 30 times in a row until no problems were detected. Once you are clean, check regularly for updates AND for newer version of each program, they are not the same thing. Updates are the key. I'm always amazed how many people start using a program and never update it.

I would also recommend checking your system memory usage setting in control panel. Sometimes malware can change your settings with you knowing and eventually slow down and strangle your system. You may need to dedicate more memory to running all of your programs.

Hope some of this will help. - Tom

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AdwareAlert is a scam...
Aug 30, 2005 11:38AM PDT

I remembered hearing about AdwareAlert being a problem child before, so I checked out Spyware Rogue's site and lo and behold I found it towards the top of the list. Under comment, they wrote "false positives work as goad to purchase; inadequate info about company & app, no privacy policy." Basicly the 16 problems it found don't exist, but if you pay them the $19.95, they're willing to remove those threats for you. Nice of them, huh? Also, I went to their website and was prompted to install an ActiveX control. ActiveX is a common hacker exploit, and such controls should only be installed from trusted sources, such as Microsoft. Just another sign they're not on the up-and-up. Thus, I recommend staying away from them and always consulting Cnet or another reliable source prior to choosing a product that is supposed to help you.

JavaCool is the creator of Spyware Blaster, so it was the real deal. However, I'm still puzzled as to why it slowed your connection so. Did uninstalling it cure the problem immediately? While AdAware and SpyBot are geat, it's always good to get a second or third opinion.

Unfortunately there is no all-in-one, yet. Norton Internet Security has a firewall, antivirus, antispyware, spam blocker, and privacy guard, but is, IMO, overpriced bloatware. McAfee has a similar offering, but it too takes up too much space and consumes too much in the way of system resources. For the time being, it's best to simply have multiple programs to make sure the job gets done. Perhaps Microsoft's upcoming subscription service/program OneCare will be able to fill such a gap?

Hope this helps,
John

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Re: Changing browser title bar -(Remove Branding).
Aug 27, 2005 1:35PM PDT