Re: Anyone else get this virus
Boot in safe mode. Use disk clean up to delete all cookies, history, temp files etc. This will erase your passwords so make sure you have them. You'll need to re-enter these to get emails and log on to this site as an example. On line banking numbers and passwords will also be deleted so have them handy the next time you access them. Run your updated virus protection program.
You'll next need to run a registry cleaner, like RegCure. This removes all the Com/activex, shared dll's stuff which is why your browser has been hijacked and why you're having trouble getting into security programs and sites.
Spyware will not find these. Using a free or non-subscription spyware will also not necessarily get you up to date databases. We are always one step behind the hackers that plant this stuff so a prompt and up to date response is needed.
Software like RegCure, when used a few times a week or when things seem to be running slow, will, in a few minutes, get rid of a lot of problems. This is not a substitute for virus removal only a detection device that corrects settings affected by a virus or spyware after the incident.
A good spyware not only has up to date spyware, malware and virus detection but has a privacy and shredder apps. After all is done defrag your drive and bleach free space. This takes hours. Then do another FULL virus scan. You should be good to go.
You can reduce pop-ups by upping the security settings on your browser. In some cases this restricts access to popups you do want so you'll need to pick and choose the ones you want.
Lastly, backup backup backup backup. I like the mirror image backup of Vista to an external hard drive, or, just back up files to Carbonite or something like that. Make sure you're backing up a clean drive or files. If things get really out of hand or your drive fails, an extenal drive mirror will get you back up and running like nothing happened.
