AdWare Software Removed

[D_E_Bishop]

Last night I had the return of the highlighted, double underscored scan over ads that this site was bothered by several years ago. I wrongly thought it was something on RV.NET and ranted about it. I even went so far as to say I would leave if it wasn't fixed.

This morning 1492 (moderator) replied and while his initial suggestion didn't work (I believe the adware writer put protection against the removal software) another post gave me a hint and I finally removed 4 or 5 programs that I had not downloaded two day ago.

PROBLEM SOLVED through the courtesy and help from the Mod and members of the Technology Corner.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, my education is continuing.

[drsteve]

It is true that the original post had nothing to do with OS choices, but it really had no specific question either--it was just a nice thank you to someone who helped the OP with a problem. In light of that, I didn't view powderman426's Linux comment as a thread hijack or troll. The merits of different OS's frequently comes up when malware in general is the topic. I have messed with Linux some, and it's OK, but as you and LarryJM point out, not all software runs under Linux, some hardware drivers are unavailable, there can be issues with document formats, etc. This can be a deal breaker for many people. Workarounds and solutions exist in many cases, but again, some users are not inclined or capable of dealing with them.

[1492]

It's not realistic to claim, if not completely accurate to assume that one does not have to deal with malware if running Linux. I know that in this particular instance, Linux would have likely made no difference. Especially, when involving social engineering malware, where one can unintentionally give "permission" to install a PUP.

powderman426 wrote:

Or you could install linux and not have to deal with any of this nonsense. JMO

I read this comment originally as being borderline trolling in nature. With follow up comments, this may not have been the case? If I misconstrued the intent, than I apologize.

However, since the original post does not revolve around questions or comments about OS, I believe further discussions involving Linux are best addressed in a separate thread.

[LarryJM]

MrWizard wrote:
for some people, in the long run, you are correct about less problems TOTAL

but installing a new OS, learning to use this OS, finding installing programs to replace those you know, and learning to use them

is not quicker or easier for Most people

for most dealing with the occasional malware or virus is easier than starting over

powderman426 wrote:

drsteve wrote:
powderman426, many people on this forum don't know the difference between a downloaded file and a drive partition. Asking them to install and run Linux, even with the user-friendly distros available today, is unrealistic.

I can appreciate your thoughts on the matter, but installing a new operating system is much easier than trying to deal with anti-malware or anti-virus installation or use especially when having to make modifications to the registry which is often necessary after being infected. If anyone has questions about how to make the transition, I will be happy to help where I can, and point them to a more knoweledgable source when I can't. To continually deal with having to cleanup your system everytime you get hit is much harder than correcting the problem at the source.:B

You make a VERY IMPORTANT point that folks like powderman like to gloss over or ignore and that is all the things that go along with installing a less supported OS system like Linux. It's all the software programs like databases, word processing, tax programs, scanners and printers that may or may not have 100% compatibity with a different OS than what an OP is currently using that can reek havoc with blindly going down that not often traveled road that someone like powderman is quickly recommending be take. That's why IMO blanket recommendations like powderman made w/o knowing or acknowledging these potential side issues seem far fetched to me. Nothing is 100% and some work arounds or fixes are going to be needed whatever one might use and in this case the issues were solved and the OP satisified so taking such alternative actions such as powderman chimed in to consider were not called for or needed.

I guess I could also suggest for the OP to just throw away what he has and get an Apple also:E

Larry

[MrWizard]

for some people, in the long run, you are correct about less problems TOTAL

but installing a new OS, learning to use this OS, finding installing programs to replace those you know, and learning to use them

is not quicker or easier for Most people

for most dealing with the occasional malware or virus is easier than starting over

powderman426 wrote:

drsteve wrote:
powderman426, many people on this forum don't know the difference between a downloaded file and a drive partition. Asking them to install and run Linux, even with the user-friendly distros available today, is unrealistic.

I can appreciate your thoughts on the matter, but installing a new operating system is much easier than trying to deal with anti-malware or anti-virus installation or use especially when having to make modifications to the registry which is often necessary after being infected. If anyone has questions about how to make the transition, I will be happy to help where I can, and point them to a more knoweledgable source when I can't. To continually deal with having to cleanup your system everytime you get hit is much harder than correcting the problem at the source.:B

[powderman426]

I am just trying to give people options. After all that's what this forum is suppose to be for ( to help others). I agree Linux isn't for everyone, but I really don't take kindly for the mod to give me greif for posting my thoughts and experiences. If he or she doesn't want to run it , that's their right but its not their job to discourage it or berate someone who does. So the bottom line is, if your having problems with adware, popups, etc, maybe you should look into it to see if a change would help.

[drsteve]

I understand what you're saying about Linux, and it's a great alternative for some people, for others not so much. A properly protected Windows box can be very secure though, and for those users who will surf anywhere and click on anything, using a limited account without admin privileges will stop a lot of problems before they can get started. FWIW, I haven't had anything more annoying than the occasional unwanted toolbar or ad popup on any of my computers, or my wife's and daughter's, in a very long time. I can't figure out how people have all these troubles, myself...

[powderman426]

drsteve wrote:
powderman426, many people on this forum don't know the difference between a downloaded file and a drive partition. Asking them to install and run Linux, even with the user-friendly distros available today, is unrealistic.

I can appreciate your thoughts on the matter, but installing a new operating system is much easier than trying to deal with anti-malware or anti-virus installation or use especially when having to make modifications to the registry which is often necessary after being infected. If anyone has questions about how to make the transition, I will be happy to help where I can, and point them to a more knoweledgable source when I can't. To continually deal with having to cleanup your system everytime you get hit is much harder than correcting the problem at the source.:B

[drsteve]

powderman426, many people on this forum don't know the difference between a downloaded file and a drive partition. Asking them to install and run Linux, even with the user-friendly distros available today, is unrealistic.

[powderman426]

1492 wrote:

powderman426 wrote:


Or you could install linux and not have to deal with any of this nonsense. JMO

Sometimes, I just wonder why anyone posts a response such as this? Makes as much sense as having a battery issue with a Chevy, so take the drastic step and go out and buy a Ford? Instead of just fixing the current issue. This is not a thread about OS preferences.

I posted this in hopes that the OP or others who aren't aware that they need not go through this continual problem of having to deal with viruses and malware, that there is an answer to their problem that doesn't require one to put up with operating systems that are inadequate to protect the user. If you wish to continue on this path that is your choice. I am giving others who will listen another much more sensible path. Also I see nothing wrong with changing operating systems if that is what it takes to fix a problem.

[drsteve]

I use CCleaner, but it is not a malware removal utility, it gets rid of temp files, cleans the cache, and removes leftovers from installs, etc. It's a useful program, but it will not find adware or malware.

[shooker99]

ccleaner is the best I have found. It is free. Paul

[1492]

powderman426 wrote:


Or you could install linux and not have to deal with any of this nonsense. JMO

Sometimes, I just wonder why anyone posts a response such as this? Makes as much sense as having a battery issue with a Chevy, so take the drastic step and go out and buy a Ford? Instead of just fixing the current issue. This is not a thread about OS preferences.

[powderman426]

1492 wrote:
The download issue with AdwCleaner was not on your end. Apparently, the author's site in France was down. I posted an alternate link.

BTW, malware removal sites recommend running AdwCleaner even after you've manually removed the specific program and browser addons you mentioned in your email. Depending on how the adaware/malware was packaged in another app, its possible that it can return by downloading and re-installing itself. The last thing I'm guessing you want? Apps like AdwCleaner can scan for such rogue installer programs. You may also want to follow up with Junkware Removal Tool, also a portable app that doesn't require install. A final scan with Malwarebytes Free also wouldn't hurt.

Or you could install linux and not have to deal with any of this nonsense. JMO

[1492]

The download issue with AdwCleaner was not on your end. Apparently, the author's site in France was down. I posted an alternate link.

BTW, malware removal sites recommend running AdwCleaner even after you've manually removed the specific program and browser addons you mentioned in your email. Depending on how the adaware/malware was packaged in another app, its possible that it can return by downloading and re-installing itself. The last thing I'm guessing you want? Apps like AdwCleaner can scan for such rogue installer programs. You may also want to follow up with Junkware Removal Tool, also a portable app that doesn't require install. A final scan with Malwarebytes Free also wouldn't hurt.