Any way to save my computer without formatting?

[dullard]

My backup computer / wife's computer has something wrong with it. Here are the symptoms:

1) The recycle bin always claims to have 2 files in it after every boot. I go to the recycle bin and nothing is there. I empty it anyways, and the two files are back next time I boot.
2) Unwanted items in the registry keep coming back (see #3).
3) Internet Explorer keeps setting the homepage to something I don't know what it is, and I won't dial in to find out (website is t.rack.cc/h.php?aid:35 if anyone is daring enough to try). I completely uninstalled internet explorer and reinstalled and the same thing happens. My wife and I only use Netscape so I don't know why this occurs. Yes I can uninstall Internet Explorer since we don't use it (except for Microsoft Updates), but that just ignores the problem.
4) Computer keeps trying to dial to the internet.
5) When the computer is connected to the internet, marijuana popups keep appearing.
6) McAfee and Norton find nothing (even when checking from a clean computer, through the network).

The computer is running Windows 98.

 

[AbsolutDealage]

Adaware. Spybot Search & Destroy.

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: AbsolutDealage
Adaware. Spybot Search & Destroy.

Should try those tonight. Don't know why I didn't think of it.

 

[AbsolutDealage]

Here's your links:
AdAware
Spybot

 

[gistech1978]

that definitely sounds like spyware, hijacker or something.

 

[ZeroNine8]

1) find original packaging
2) pack computer in original boxes
3) you know the rest...

:beer:

 

[cmdavid]

i have a question.. ive been using AdAware consistently for awhile now... does SpyBot find things that AdAware does not? should i have them both installed? thanks...

 

[ZeroNine8]

I replaced adaware with spybot, I think that they find most of the same things, though I'm not aware if one is better.

 

[gistech1978]

Originally posted by: cmdavid
i have a question.. ive been using AdAware consistently for awhile now... does SpyBot find things that AdAware does not? should i have them both installed? thanks...

for the most part yes, anything major they both will find
but i would recommend running them in conjunction.
make sure you run the update programs in both before scanning.

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: ZeroNine8
1) find original packaging
2) pack computer in original boxes
3) you know the rest...

1998 PII 300 MHz, 64 MB RAM, infected with something: I'd sell it right now for $1000, anyone want to buy?

 

[Encryptic]

Originally posted by: dullard
My backup computer / wife's computer has something wrong with it. Here are the symptoms:

1) The recycle bin always claims to have 2 files in it after every boot. I go to the recycle bin and nothing is there. I empty it anyways, and the two files are back next time I boot.
2) Unwanted items in the registry keep coming back (see #3).
3) Internet Explorer keeps setting the homepage to something I don't know what it is, and I won't dial in to find out (website is t.rack.cc/h.php?aid:35 if anyone is daring enough to try). I completely uninstalled internet explorer and reinstalled and the same thing happens. My wife and I only use Netscape so I don't know why this occurs. Yes I can uninstall Internet Explorer since we don't use it (except for Microsoft Updates), but that just ignores the problem.
4) Computer keeps trying to dial to the internet.
5) When the computer is connected to the internet, marijuana popups keep appearing.
6) McAfee and Norton find nothing (even when checking from a clean computer, through the network).

The computer is running Windows 98.

Sounds like your computer's been hitting the bong again.

I'm guessing you've got some spyware/adware loaded on there, hence the popups and home page being set to something different. Try downloading Ad-Aware and see if it comes up with anything.

 

[crisp82]

Any way to save my computer without formatting?

Post in the right forum...

Virus

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: crisp82
Post in the right forum...

Virus

This definiately is the right forum. Sure in an hour or so it'll be moved my some moderator. However I got multiple responces in just a few minutes. I've posted in the technical support, OS, and software forums with similar problems and you are lucky to get one answer within a week (even after multiple bumps).

 

[AlienCraft]

Then put a firewall up.
ZoneLabs Zone alarm is something I got from some of ze uber haxors here.....ZoneLabs

 

[rh71]

If not for spyware, then re-do it once more and GHOST immediately so you don't have to worry about reformatting from scratch ever again.