Topic: Websites changing my home page...

I was wondering how it is that a website is changing my home page in my internet explorer without my permission. Since we're all web designers or something of the like here, I thought that a few of you might have some ideas as to how this is done and maybe how I can stop it from being done. Without, of course, installing yet another new program to go alongside the pop up blockers, instant search toolbars, download accelerators and windows messenger blockers.

I don't think we have a choice. We NEED softwares like the ones listed here
http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6132-0.html?forumID=32&threadID=1313&start=0

to get rid of pests and parasites that cause problems like you're facing. Happily, they are free.



[This message has been edited by slim___shady (edited 12-20-2003).]

My first suggestion would be to stop going to porn sites.

The poster has demanded we remove all his contributions, less he takes legal action.
We have done so.
Now Tyberius Prime expects him to start complaining that we removed his 'free speech' since this message will replace all of his posts, past and future.
Don't follow his example - seek real life help first.

Ahem... Actually, I was using edonkey. But the advertisements on there run with IE so that makes it possible for the advertisers to change my settings without my even running IE (or browsing porn sites, as some have suggested). Of course, once I start up my browser it goes to the hijacked page and that puts out a pop up that says "Stop Browser Hijackers" or something of the like. I have ways around it, but it's annoying nonetheless. Oh well.

Don't use IE, us Mozilla, or FireFox www.mozilla.org

I agree with Blaise about not using IE but that is also not a completly safe bet because I have experienced some sites try to take advantage of the Mozilla/FireFox Extension capabilities and install some very nasty parasites that way. So beware when installing extensions that you did not ask for.

smithpaul - personal design journal

Home page hijacking is obnoxious. Ad-Aware or SpyBot Search and Destroy will get rid of them... you don't have to run them all the time, just run a scan every now and then to clear the crap off your machine.

Once youve rid yourself of the offending malware, you can then use the very registry key that locked your homepage to prevent it from being changed again until you unlock it (insert irony)

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel] Homepage=0x00000001 (1)

If this DWORD doesnt exist just create it. toggling the value from 0 to 1 will unlock and lock it

Spybots immunize feature can do this for you if you dont like regedit

Make sure you have the latest JavaVM updates , IE6 at least (or mozilla......)
Turn off "Install on Demand" in your IE settings can reduce the possibility
And a well maintained FW/AV setup is always a recommendation .

for getting rid of the malware ... Hijackthis is far more reaching into the registry for finding offending things but it also includes alot of normal good things in its report that mustn't be deleted willy nilly. adaware and spybot work off definition lists, hijackthis works off whats actually running and registered in your registry including services and such that you need . be careful if you choose this product.

try the lock it works well ;-þ

Stay away from Internet Explorer for starters. Microsoft screwed it up along with their whole WindowsOS. Go with Mozilla FireFox. It's god! Period!

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