Redirecting Bug/Virus...

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

My computer has somehow became infected... I still haven't been able to identify the exact name of the virus or what it is for sure.
It started out with a pop-up that said I won a $1,000 gift card from Walmart, then followed with a lot of redirects to various advertising and other BS sites whenever I use Google.
That in itself is a bit annoying, but other effects include my browser becoming so bogged down to the point where it stops responding.
Another annoying effect was it even affected my digital camera not being able to upload video clips to the computer.
Fortunately, I was able to use Joanie's laptop to do the latest video for the Shepherd's Pie. (Nice to know now I can do the videos to YouTube on a wireless connection)
I've thrown every remedy I know to defeat this thing but it just keeps on going...
Has anyone else encountered a bug like this and if so, were you able to defeat it???

[toypusher]

have not seen that one Dean

To many things to try/suggest, but for one check the 'addons' in your browser (especially if it is IE)! Kill any that you do not know what they are.

If you can - remove the HD and slave it to another computer that you know does not have any viruses and then run an antivirus on it.

If you can get a copy of 'HiJackThis' and remove BHOs (Browser Helper Objects) that you are not sure of what they are. You may have to run this in 'Safe Mode' to get rid of all of them.

Sorry, but that is the best I can do with the limited info and the long distance!

[Shadow Catcher]

Sounds like malware, there are a number of services that can do an external scan and clean but you might want to try the down load of NOD32 free to try http://www.eset.com. Because of of my web sites I am some times under attack and have in one instance received over 25+ unique viruses a day and so far NOC32 has caught them all, except the one I opened disguised as a PDF from a friend (he did not know he was infected). I was able to run a scan and get rid of it.
If all else fails take it to how ever your computer guru is and have them clean it.

[LDK]

I have windows xp and I use trend micro internet security. It does a good job and it doesn't use too much of your resources.

[planovet]

Go online (if you can) and download Malwarebytes. It's free and very effective. Make sure it's updated and then run it in safe mode.

As mentioned above, HiJackThis is a great program but you have to know what you are doing or you could delete the wrong stuff.

Good luck!

[Cliffmeister2000]

Malwarebytes has always worked for me, and it's free.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

[Dusty82]

Another vote for Malwarebytes. I've had my best luck by starting the PC in safe mode and running the scan. Another good freebie is RemoveIT Pro, but you have to be carefull with that one, as it sometimes identifies legit browser add-ons as malware, whether they are or not.

Good Luck!

[iplay10us2]

All good advice, but what might be a quick fix would be to use a previous system restore point. Go back to an earlier date, and then load a virus program if you don't have one.

I had something similar the other day, but it would not let me get to the internet unless I was in Safe mode. I went to an earlier restore point and that fixed the problem.

[Juneaudave]

Go online (if you can) and download malwarebytes. It's free and very effective. Make sure it's updated and then run it in safe mode. As mentioned above, HiJackThis is a great program but you have to know what you are doing or you could delete the wrong stuff.

Good luck!

Yep...and then run a full scan with your antivirus software afterwords....My wife just had a nasty bout with something similar.

[tinksdad]

If it's the same one I had, Malwarebytes won't cure that particular virus. It was re-directing a lot of my searches no matter what browser I was using. It was also creating problems when I tried to shut down (system would hang).

There is a stand alone fix for that virus, I just don't remember it's name at the moment. I downloaded Hitman Pro (free download). Hitman won't cure the problem and will continually crash until the virus is removed. But before it crashes, it does identify the virus. Then you can find the stand alone and it will hopefully make it all better. It did for me. For the life of me, I wish I could remember where I got the fix. Skynet, NetSky.... something like that.

[caseydog]

I can't help with the virus, but I can tell you that I'm not surprised that you can upload video over your wireless network. Your wireless network is probably faster than your internet connection, especially for uploads. I send huge files across my wireless network.

Good luck with the virus.

CD

[asianflava]

I use chrome on my desktop and somehow I got some malware that plays an audio clip commercial. It is a slow desktop which is why I've been using chrome on it. Anyway, it just bogs it down and the only way I've found is to kill it in the task manager. There are no tabs or windows to close.

That computer has McAffee and is updated and scanned on a regular basis. I'm gonna have to remove it manually.

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

I tried everything and then more that you guys suggested and tinksdad is right, nothing would touch it...

I fixed the problem and I gotta tell yaa, that's the worst one I've ever had.
The virus is file is named Rootkit.Win32.TDSS.tdl3 and it's a bad one... It's also called a Google Redirect Virus.
I believe it snuck in through a back door or something, because I have protection.
Besides all the annoyances of being redirected to bullcrap spam sites, it overwhelms the opperating system to where it just stops working.
I probably unplugged my 'puter at least 50 times over the last few days combating this virus.

I hope no one here gets it, but if you do... Here's a link that worked for me.

http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/topic/267407-how-to-fix-google-redirects/

[toypusher]

I tried everything and then more that you guys suggested and tinksdad is right, nothing would touch it...

I fixed the problem and I gotta tell yaa, that's the worst one I've ever had.
The virus is file is named Rootkit.Win32.TDSS.tdl3 and it's a bad one... It's also called a Google Redirect Virus.
I believe it snuck in through a back door or something, because I have protection.
Besides all the annoyances of being redirected to bullcrap spam sites, it overwhelms the opperating system to where it just stops working.
I probably unplugged my 'puter at least 50 times over the last few days combating this virus.

I hope no one here gets it, but if you do... Here's a link that worked for me.

http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/topic/267407-how-to-fix-google-redirects/

AVG has a rootkit detection/removal program! It might even be part of the newest version.

Glad you got rid of it!

[tinksdad]

Glad you got it fixed. I know the frustration I went through trying to get rid of it. Reading your last response brought it all back to me.... that WAS the bugger that I had and TDSSKiller was the stand alone fix. I've used Kaspersky fixes before for other tough viruses that nothing else would touch. I really should add them to my Favorites.