Browser pull up porn link pages instead of 404 page not found error code

[glen]

I am on a friend's PC, and while surfing, I occasionally mistype a URL, and I get some sort of page with links to porn pages. I assume this is a virus because it never happens on my PC at work or home.

 

[mechBgon]

First of all, has your friend give you clearance to tackle this problem for him/her?

 

[glen]

yeah - it is my parent's PC.

 

[mechBgon]

Ok, then my baseline suggestion is to

1) back up important data and set a System Restore point, in case things go wrong

2) download WinsockFix to the system. It is used only if you can't browse the Internet after spyware is removed.

3) scan the system with a current-generation antivirus software that has all the options maxed out. Make sure to update the virus definitions first.

4) get a "second opinion" from a different company's antivirus, by using an online virus scanner. Also run a rootkit scanner from that list.

5) scan the system with Spybot Search & Destroy and SUPERAntiSpyware

6) if issues persist, John has a more comprehensive spyware-removal guide on this page.


Also, run Secunia's online checkup to check the system for known vulnerabilities that could be exploited to install bad stuff, and here are some more security suggestions.


Also, since this topic fits better in the Security forum, I'm going to move it from Windows/PC Software to Security. Good luck

AnandTech Moderator
mechBgon

 

[Medea]

If you mis-type url's, then you should add the HOSTS file.
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

If you do install it, you will need to periodically update it.