Need help with Chrome browser that is has unwanted hyperlinks to Search Assist popups.

[1BigAKGuy]

Hi, it is booting up normally again. Thank you

[kevinf80]

Any remaining issues or concerns?

[1BigAKGuy]

Under this ticket no. Thank you again.

[kevinf80]

If all is ok with no issues here are some tips to reduce the potential for malware infection in the future:

 

Make proper use of your antivirus and firewall

 

Antivirus and Firewall programs are integral to your computer security. However, just having them installed isn't enough. The definitions of these programs are frequently updated to detect the latest malware, if you don't keep up with these updates then you'll be vulnerable to infection. Many antivirus and firewall programs have automatic update features, make use of those if you can. If your program doesn't, then get in the habit of routinely performing manual updates, because it's important.

 

You should keep your antivirus and firewall guard enabled at all times, NEVER turn them off unless there's a specific reason to do so. Also, regularly performing a full system scan with your antivirus program is a good idea to make sure you're system remains clean. Once a week should be adequate. You can set the scan to run during a time when you don't plan to use the computer and just leave it to complete on its own.

 

Install and use WinPatrol from here http://www.winpatrol.com/download.html  This will inform you of any attempted unauthorized changes to your system.

 

WinPatrol features explained here http://www.winpatrol.com/features.html

 

Go here http://www.filehippo.com/updatechecker/ run the FileHippo Update Checker, update all applications as suggested by the Update Checker. Ignore any Beta updates. (Use stand alone version, not a full install)

If Java or Adobe are updated please check under Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs, ensure any old versions are removed. <--- Very important

 

Use a safer web browser

 

Internet Explorer is not the most secure tool for browsing the web. It has been known to be very susceptible to infection, and there are a few good free alternatives:

 

FireFox http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/,

 

Opera http://www.opera.com/, and

 

Chrome http://www.google.com/chrome.

 

All of these are excellent faster, safer, more powerful and functional free alternatives to Internet Explorer. It's definitely worth the short period of adjustment to start using one of these. If you wish to continue using Internet Explorer, it would be a good idea to follow the tutorial here http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial102.html which will help you to make IE MUCH safer.

 

These browser add-ons will help to make your browser safer:

 

Web of Trust warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous ones:

 

Available for Firefox and Internet Explorer.

 

Green to go,

Yellow for caution, and

Red to stop.

 

 

Available for Firefox only. NoScript helps to block malicious scripts and in general gives you much better control over what types of things webpages can do to your computer while you're browsing.

 

These are just a couple of the most popular add-ons, if you're interested in more, take a look at this article:

http://browsers.about.com/od/addonsplugi2/tp/browser_security_privacy.htm

 

Here a couple of links by two security experts that will give some excellent tips and advice.

 

So how did I get infected in the first place by Tony Klein from here: http://www.spywareinfoforum.com/index.php?/topic/60955-so-how-did-i-get-infected-in-the-first-place/

 

How to prevent Malware by Miekiemoes from here: http://users.telenet.be/bluepatchy/miekiemoes/prevention.html

 

Finally this link http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/topic/38-free-antivirus-and-antispyware-software will give a comprehensive upto date list of free Security programs. To include - Antivirus, Antispyware, Firewall, Antimalware, Online scanners and rescue CD`s.

 

Don`t forget, the best form of defense is common sense. If you don`t recognize it, don`t open it. If something looks to good to be true, then it aint.

 

Let me know when its OK to close out your thread....

 

Take care,

 

Kevin

[1BigAKGuy]

I have followed the instructions to improve security in Chrome and installed the browser extensions and add ons you recommended, plus installed the hippo update and WinPatrol.  (I had used WinPatrol in the past.)  I the problem with SearchAssist is cleaned up.  It is OK to close out this thread, thank you. 

 

On another topic, can you suggest where to find help in determining what is randomly accessing my empty floppy disk drive?  Because of the noise, I have disabled the drive, which I rarely use, in Device Manager.

[kevinf80]

I only do malware removal, This may help:  http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question560.htm

[Maurice Naggar]

Since this issue is resolved I will close the thread to prevent others from posting here. If you need assistance please start your own topic and someone will be happy to assist you.