Unwanted Links: Troubleshooting Common Webpage Annoyances

[quantumdude]

Hi, I've got another computer problem.

Just in the last few days, every webpage I go to (including this one) has certrain key words highlighted (such as "Internet" "Web" "Games" "Movies"), and when I move the cursor to them, a menu appears entitled, "Related Links". I have no idea who or what is doing this, and it's really annoying, especially because I can't get "under" these superimposed links.

Anyone know what's up with this?

Thanks,

 

[Evo]

Do you remember downloading anything prior to when this started?

I don't know how you got it, but I have heard of this type of thing (the article I read about it was discussing it as an "enhancement to the user's browsing experience").

 

[honestrosewater]

I've had the same pest on this computer, but I don't remember what it was called (there's so many of them!)

The easiest way would be to just download Spybot Search&Destroy http://safer-networking.org/ I have it, it's great- and free.
Pestpatrol http://www.pestpatrol.com/ has a free analysis thing- PestScan, but it only finds the problems, it doesn't remove them.

Or you can perform a search on your computer for files that were modified within the last few days (however long ago it started). Look through the results list for anything suspicious, like "adtoolbar" or "EZSearch" or anything you don't know should be there.
You can then confirm your suspicions by searching for the suspect on one of the above sites. Pestpatrol has pretty up-to-date info and step-by-step instructions on how to remove the pest manually. I don't know how familar you are with computers- you can do a lot of damage if you make a mistake when trying to remove them manually- so you might be better off with SpybotS&D.

Good luck
Rachel

 

[Math Is Hard]

The easiest way would be to just download Spybot Search&Destroy http://safer-networking.org/ I have it, it's great- and free.
Pestpatrol http://www.pestpatrol.com/ has a free analysis thing- PestScan, but it only finds the problems, it doesn't remove them.

Rachel

I've also found the freeware version of AdAware to be very helpful and simple to use when cleaning out spyware:

http://www.lavasoft.de

 

[ShawnD]

Stop using Internet Explorer.

 

[dduardo]

ShawnD is right. Use another browser. This keyword highlighting is a new form of advertisment that only works with Internet Explorer.

 

[The_Professional]

Firefox is a pretty good substitute to Explorer, and I would also clean up by using Ad-Aware from the above link.

 

[Cod]

Ad-Aware is worthless. It misses so much "garbage" compared to other programs. You're better off running CWShredder, Spybot - Search & Destroy, and Spy Sweeper.

 

[ShawnD]

Ad-aware mostly finds tracking cookies (IMO). Spybot finds malicious crap like browser hijacks and popups (IMO).

 

[poolwin2001]

Hijackthis is a good one .It shows you all the toolbar etc installed.But you better post the suspicous ones and make sure they are adware.
All other softwares just remove the problems,this one tells you raw,what it is ,where it is.