Oh no, help me fix my computer.

[crashwg]

Ok, so I was searching for a crack for a program and during my search one of the websites I came accross prompted me to install something.  I had just figgured it was some sort of download assit or something like that, so I went ahead and did it.

I think I was wrong...

When I tried to use IE after reboot, a box popped up with some sort of internet connection thing.  It had a loggon name and those little dots you see when entering passwords.  

I immediatly went into Tools - Internet Options - Connections and deleted the connection off the list.  

One problem, now I can't connect to anything on the net with IE!  It keeps popping up the notification seen at the bottom of this post.

What the heck do I do now?

BTW, yes I know I deserve what I have gotten for not paying for software and all that mumbojumbo and I understand if you are unwilling to help me based on that.

Oh yea, and if you're wondering how I'm typing this right now... Firefox.  So it's deffinitly not my internet connection.

[photorock]

           Go Control Panel then Add and Remove Software and remove the newly installed program. Try it and let me know... If that doesn't work we'll try something else. I won't give you a hard time we've all installed garbage by mistake. I will say this though use FireFox as your default browser becouse IE is a nightmare.

[GreenKnight37]

Well I was about to type in a recommendation for Firefox as well, but I see you've discovered it already

I could certainly recommend some good Extensions(add-ins) to make it even more user friendly if you'd like.

But lets see...I have to say try the Add-Remove programs as well.  That will be the first thing to try.  Second, run Ad-Aware AND Spybot.  If you dont have both, install them.  Ad-Aware just released a brand new version a few days ago, so check out Lavasoftusa.com and download it again.  Make sure you update the definitions before doing the actual scan.

If you're not running Ad-Aware on a regular(ie Weekly) basis, you should do that anyways.  Its a Very Good preventative tool for keeping junk off your computer.

So try those for now.

If the program you installed isn't listed in the Add-Remove programs, the Ad-Aware program has a good chance of removing it(assuming its a bad file).

[SNAAKE]

Are you on XP ?
Try to restore your computer to another time when this new whatever wasnt installed. You can also try to search for the connection/file or whatever its called using the search then delete it manually. If its somehow starting with windows then go to run and type msconfig then uncheck whatever unwanted things and restart your computer and see.And use firefox cuz like the poster above mentioned,IE is a NIGHTMARE

[photorock]

         I hate to mention this becouse it sometimes offends people, but there has been alot of posts lately of people having similar problems Doesn't anyone make backups anymore, or at least run Ghost every now and then.

         As they say an ounze of prevention...

[crashwg]

Thanks GreenKnight37 Ad-Aware seems to have done the trick.

[Harry Potter]

As a last resort, try applying an American Screwdriver to your PC. Otherwise known as a hammer.  

[DrewKaree]

As an aside to anyone having these problems, do a google search for "Hijack This" and you'll find this program, usually on sites that use this tool to help you solve problems that spyware, adware, whatever-type-of-ware visit upon your nice and tidy PC.  Also, Spybot is a virtual REQUIREMENT nowadays, since these things are just waiting for some unsuspecting person to click them.

I've had to do surgery on four computers in the last month, and in each case, installed Spybot.  It can be automatically configured to run at start and will remove things Ad Aware cannot.  This does not mean Ad Aware is a bad program, as I think you should run both at the same time, as well.  It's just that Spybot will be more successful.  Each will miss things, so that's why both should be run.

Worst case I worked on, the PC couldn't access the 'net AT ALL, and just clicking My Computer would give numerous errors to the point that the computer would lock up, requiring a re-start.

Get a drive imaging program.  Best insurance.  Remember, spyware removers and virus scanners are only as good as the current update.  They're always chasing the most-current nemesis.  If you don't have an image, you could be screwed with the best of spy/virus programs.

[Spaced Invader]

As a last resort, try applying an American Screwdriver to your PC. Otherwise known as a hammer.  

Jealousy is such an ugly thing...

It's probably just stress related...but don't worry...as long as we're here you won't have to bother learning Chineese...American Screwdrivers work on any problem!  

[mcdo15]

if all else fails, format?
(thats what i would do  )

[Floyd10]

As a last resort, try applying an American Screwdriver to your PC. Otherwise known as a hammer.  

hahahahahaha

[GGKoul]

hahahahahaha

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Floyd10]

hahahahahaha

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Dont steal My Tecnique!
473

[GGKoul]

hahahahahaha

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Dont steal My Tecnique!
473

I'm just trying to keep up with you. 816