Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Programs that Install Seach Bars and Favorite Folders

Aug 29, 2004 12:00AM PDT

Everytime I open Microsoft Explorer something adds a extra-search bar and some favorites to the favorites folder. Does anyone know how to delete this? I am guessing that when I watched a video via windows media player that I clicked yes to install some program when I thought it was just asking to download a codec.

Thanks,

Gambogi

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re: Programs that Install Seach Bars and Favorite Folders
Aug 29, 2004 1:18AM PDT

Hi - it sounds like you've picked up some Spyware and unwanted ActiveX control scripts.

There are a couple of good software programs to remove this garbage from your machine - Ad Aware (easier if you're non techie) and Spybot Search & Destroy (has more features for the advanced p.c. user - it can make changes to the Windows Registry so if you don't have a clue as to what that means - try Ad Aware). Ad Aware is a free (I think...) download, Spybot Search & Destroy allows a free trial for 30/45 days or so.
After you clean up your p.c. with these tools you can use a number of programs to block spyware and unwanted Active X scripts like a firewall. An excellent free firewall is called Zone Alarm - running a firewall is a MUST especially if you have broadband. If you're running Windows XP, their new Server Pack 2 upgrade is full of new security options. If you don't use Windows XP make sure to FREQUENTLY check Microsoft's site for Internet Explorer updates and security patches (yes AOL's web browser is just an interface over Internet Explorer so this applies here as well).
And make sure that you have anti virus software that is UPDATED frequently. I used Symantec's Norton Antivirus program and run a scan every DAY when I'm sleeping. You can set a schedule to run it automatically (i.e. 3 a.m. everyday when your asleep). It does take a long time to do a complete scan if you have a large hard drive along with lots of software but if you don't have a slew of software (like me) on your p.c. the scan will be quicker.
I hope this helps. You might want to do some web searching on Spyware/Malware...just be careful to not download anything that is NOT on the d/l section on this website because some Spyware manufacturer's "claim" their software is a Spyware removal system when in reality it's just another way of ADDING more Spyware to over burden your p.c.

- Collapse -
Re: Programs that Install Seach Bars and Favorite Folders
Aug 29, 2004 4:57AM PDT

Julie,

Thanks for your reply, but I have actually done all of that with both spybot and adaware and NAV/NIS. I will do some searching like you said about Spyware/Malware. Any other suggestions when it comes to getting rid of my problem?

Thanks

Gambogi

- Collapse -
Re: Programs that Install Seach Bars and Favorite Folders
Sep 2, 2004 7:51PM PDT

OK something must be in the Windows Registry that Spybot and Ad Aware isn't picking up. What is the URL that's being added to your favorites? And does the unwanted toolbar show up in control panel? If not, I would probably look manually in the Windows Registry for the annoying thing and look for something being changed in there. But playing around in the Registry is a dangerous thing if you make an error so I really have to make a disclaimer and say I don't recommend it even though I myself have done it. Someone that is actually qualified technically to give you some guidelines is probably the best option as I've learned everything like this just as a hobbyist.