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Stingo
22-11-06, 09:53 PM
For about the last two weeks, I've been putting up with a problem that is really starting to annoy.

On just about any website, when I click on a link within that site, my machine freezes for about a minute as though the RAM has suddenly all naffed off. Even clicking on 'view more emoticons' produces this effect. Quite often, after a minute or so has elapsed, the page resets itself and has not gone on to the link - a second click and I go straight there. Slightly baffled. I have also noticed that for the last fortnight or so, certain programmes have suddenly decided that they wish to 'communicate with the internet' :shock: - my firewall informs me of this and I promptly deny the programme this pleasure - bl**dy cheek!!

I have windows xp, isp is blueyonder (broadband)


Any ideas?
fizzwheel
22-11-06, 09:56 PM
Sounds like you have alot of spyware on your machine to me.

download this or something similar and then see what it runs like

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php
Stingo
22-11-06, 10:00 PM
Thanks Fizz - I downloaded the latest AVG spyware yesterday bu haven't run it yet - should I try that before trying Lava?
fizzwheel
22-11-06, 10:13 PM
either or. I use the Lavasoft as I know it and trust it. Wouldnt hurt to run the AVG and the Lava sometimes its best to use a couple of different products just to make sure you've caught everything.
TSM
22-11-06, 10:18 PM
either or. I use the Lavasoft as I know it and trust it. Wouldnt hurt to run the AVG and the Lava sometimes its best to use a couple of different products just to make sure you've caught everything.

And dont forget Spybot Search & Destroy
Grinch
22-11-06, 10:41 PM
either or. I use the Lavasoft as I know it and trust it. Wouldnt hurt to run the AVG and the Lava sometimes its best to use a couple of different products just to make sure you've caught everything.

And dont forget Spybot Search & Destroy

And use the advanced options to check your startup programs...

I'm remotely connected fixing a pc at the moment... :D
timwilky
23-11-06, 06:32 AM
I notice your ISP is Blueyonder.


Do not believe what they tell you. They no longer operate a uncapped service. see http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/11/21/blueyonder_gets_throttled/

Although the above article says the trial is in the preston area, other areas are also complaining of capping. It is described elsewhere as an "trial of unlimited duration". I have read of threats of complaints to the ASA as Blueyonder still claim to be unlimitted.

From the sound of things you are also infected with spyware. try installing spybot S&D and also ad-aware SE. These are my personal favorite for cleaning out spyware. If you are brave a program called HijackThis will also show what is running on your pc, the problem being you need to know what should be there and what shouldn't.

There are some particularly nasty spyware sytems known as rootkits. These tend to get hidden from the usual tools for those you need a tool called rootkit revealer. again techy as it can identify things like your antivirus as using rootkit methods
mysteryjimbo
23-11-06, 08:34 AM
Sounds like you have alot of spyware on your machine to me.

download this or something similar and then see what it runs like

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php

Thats your answer to everything :lol: :lol:
fizzwheel
23-11-06, 08:40 AM
Thats your answer to everything :lol: :lol:

Rumbled :lol: works well in conjunction with my other helpdesk stock response, "You need to reboot"
Stingo
23-11-06, 08:42 AM
Luverly jubbly - thanks guys. I got rid of forty odd adwares, trackers and a couple of nasty diallers last night with AVG :D . I'll do the lava thing later when I get home and see what else is lurking 8-[ .


Regarding blueyonder, I can't say I've experienced any other probs/issues other than their email thingy isn't exactly 'state of the art'! :lol:
600+
23-11-06, 11:06 AM
I had a problem with a dodgy spyware I managed to get from somewhere and nothing would remove it.

I found this forum VERY helpfull. Follow the instructions and you won't be dissappointed.

http://forums.spybot.info/index.php
Stingo
23-11-06, 09:04 PM
Ran Lava tonight - :shock: hard drive was leaping with lurgies!!

Will finish off with a good dose of spybot at the weekend!!


Links are working now - which is nice :D