Does the same problem occur when using a different browser -- the 1%? If it happens with the 1% browser and if it is a virus, then it may be latched onto Firefox. Downloading a new complete Firefox, then removing/deleting the old Firefox, and installing the new Firefox may remove the Google problem. There are other good searchers, e.g., Yahoo, that produce good results. I quit using Google because of the talk about them collecting personal information and its alleged politics. You did not mention that you use a firewall, such a Zonealarm. But before you go to the trouble of a new Firefox, suggest downloading other free virus protectors and a firewall. Run them and see if you get an answer to the problem. Use the "search" on this site to see other software that is available, and free.

O.K., Thanks for the reply fruitjarfla.

I cant use IE either, It does the same thing. I'm not sure what to do because I've not been able to use any free spyware or virus scans other than AD Aware SE.

I'm not real computer savy either as I guess I don't have any firewall either. I thought my web service provided that. Apparently not as when I called them for tech support they said they don't help with virus or the like removal advice.

My computer works fine and I can do most tasks fine but anything virus or the like related I can't search or even read some of the posts in the archive! It just disapears and I'm at the start page and I have to go back to the forums and do it over being careful not to click on anything with these words.

Can someone give me a clue to what might be wrong and what I need to do?

Thanks a million, Neal

Do you use any current anti-virus protection like Nortons, McAfee, AVG etc if not, your machine is undoubtedly clogged with viri. AdawareSE is only good for spyware not viruses.
AVG is good and its free.

I will give you an address for a free 30 day trial.
It's suppose to be better than Norton AntiVirus.

Kaspersky
I haven't used it, I use Norton AntiVirus.
The only way I would buy Kaspersky is if they sent me a CD.
If you have to reinstall an anti virus it makes it easy.

Avast is Free. I haven't used it either.
avast

Cboy, thanks for the links but I can't visit those sites my machine will not let me even visit the website. The avast one came in for about half a second then quickly vanished back to the start page. My hands are in the air on this.

Genes, my machine has AVG free installed on it but it is the old version and I still get the reminder to get the new version at boot-up but I can't go to the website to download the new version because of this issue.

I'd love to hear some more ideas.

Thanks for the time folks, Neal

From reading the thread so far it seems you have more problems than McDonalds have hamburgers.

Give us some idea of your computer like make, model, age and which version of Windows you use.

In my opinion you need to wipe this drive and start over. To start that process I would remove the internet cable so nothing can be getting in or out while you work. Then set about saving all your personal data like Favourites, email addresses and other stuff you have created but do not want to lose. Then set about reformatting the drive and re-install Windows. If you need help with that are are good helpers here who can answer any questions for you.

If you prefer you could try a couple things and see what they bring up but you need to be able to use Internet Explorer for any online scan. Regarding AdAware you need to update to the latest definitions perhaps. Those are SE1R173 29.05.2007, grab that and run the full scan.

Yes, it's a nasty virus. It won't allow virus software to run, or allow you to visit virus removal sites.

Hit ctrl/alt/delete and then click on the processes tab to see what is running. Click on the words "user name" to sort everything, and then tell us what is running. Here is an example...

I blacked out my personal info.

After we find the virus, you will need to boot to safe mode to remove it.

Once you format and reinstall your Operating System, if thats the route you choose to go. Make sure that you have a good firewall (Zone Alarm as mentioned is free and pretty good) and also an up to date Anti-virus program. You cannot let the AV lapse nor get new updates every week or so. If you dont get proper protection and keep your machine maintained, you will end up with the same problems you have now

Sorry I didn't get back sooner. Maxter, I hit ctrl alt del and I get the CPU usage bar thing that tells me a percentage. I can't get that task manager like you show.

I'm not sure I know how to get to the task manager.
I'm finding out I know nothing about this stuff. I'm really sorry folks.

I would consider wiping this thing out. I use my home computer for internet use only, I really don't do a whole lot of work on it. My thirteen year old uses the windows messenger program and this Bebo thing but thats about it.
Would the virus have come through these programs or even on a site like GW?

So should I just get it to a specialist to get worked over?
I obviously didn't take the time to read the manual.

I want to thank each of you for helping me with this problem.
Neal

See if you can access the link below and download the file. This program will act like the task manager and allow you to end the process and delete the file. If you are comfortable with reinstalling windows, that might be your best bet. Removing a virus can be tricky, but is pretty simple once you identify it.

It could have come from anywhere, but I doubt you got a virus from Gardenweb.

Here is a link that might be useful: LINK

Neal I take it you are a little intimidated with the inner workings of your computer? Nothing wrong with that. I was terrified the first few times I took the side cover off.

However you must decide if you are going to get past that and fix it. You have asked for help and it has been given but you do not appear to have tried many of the suggestions so far, or have not told us what happened when you did try things.

So far we know you cannot use Internet Explorer so you cannot download and install necessary updates from Microsoft. Nor can you go to online scans because most if not all of those are set up for IE. We know your AVG is at least 6 months out of date and the wrong version making it vitually useless. We know you do not have a firewall so anybody and everybody with the savvy can (and probably have) attack your computer and the dozens of phone home spies installed on your machine are taking possession. We know you cannot get to anti virus sites, for me that says virus's and trojans are in control of your computer.

At this state it is pointless to worry about if your teenager's actions have caused the problems. Those actions may not have helped but the responsibility here is yours because you failed to take precautions needed for safe computing.

From the computer you are using to post here download the free AVG 7.5 from here then from here download the free AVG anti spyware and from here download the free AdAwareSE and from here download the free Zonealarm firewall and finally from here download Crap Cleaner. Save all these to a thumb drive or burn to CD.

Now on your computer and remove the cable to the internet for now. Then click Start, click Control panel, click Add/Remove programs. Remove AVG, AdAware and anything else that pertains to safety but is out of date.

Install and run Crap Cleaner at the default settings, this will remove all the excess files and fragments of programs left by untidy uninstallers from all over your computer.

Install AVG anti virus, AVG anti spyware, AdAware and Zonealarm. Allow each to do a full scan while still disconnected from the internet and allow Zonalarm to start. Then re-connect your internet connection and open each of these programs and get the latest updates. Then run the full scan with each again. Then visit Microsoft for all the Windows updates you are missing, I asume you have WindowsXP?

Now Neal, if you are fearful of any of this say so and hopefully another poster will come along and tell you that what I have suggested will work - or disagree and tell you different things to try. There is nothing in this message to harm your computer.

I saw this virus a few months ago. I forgot what it is called, but it will not allow virus scans to run. It will lock up your system if you try. Virus software is useless when you have this virus. There might be some update for this virus, but when I saw it, it had to be manually removed. This virus also infected all of the System Restore files, so a restore wouldn't work, either.

All it takes is a reboot to safe mode and delete the file from your system 32 folder, then delete the temp files. After that, the scan worked and cleaned up the other infected files.

The only good virus protection software on the market is Returnil. It isn't free, but it is the best. Everything else is junk that requires constant updating.

Maxter there was a very interesting article I read a few weeks back. No idea where it was now but the gist of it was that even high tech security companies are gradually conceding to the fact that the crooks are actually winning and no anti virus can keep up.

I can't agree with your last paragraph, LOL. You had better have just as much protection outside of Returnil otherwise you are at risk when Returnil is off. And it needs to be off to create anything you need saved, installed or program removals because anything created inside Returnil as I understand it all is lost on reboot or shut down. Besides US$26 every year seems rather steep when Sandboxie is a free program. VMware is for the more experienced computer user IMHO

Anti virus software never was able to keep up. The updates don't arrive until a new virus is discovered. That's why a virtual system is the best option. A virus is harmless to your system if it never reaches your system.

It's a matter of opinion. Returnil is a great program. I would choose it over the others, but that's my choice. I didn't purchase Returnil, but keep using the demo. LOL, of course, you are at risk whenever any of your protection is turned off. LOL. Sandboxie might be a good alternative to Returnil, I have never heard of it. Thanks. Returnil has won many more awards than sandboxie, so I'll stick with it. There are many save options in Returnil. You can burn DVD's, save to an unprotected partition or a thumb drive...many options. Try it. They offer a free demo. I have 3 versions of the demo, and just now downloaded the new beta version.

Here is a link that might be useful: Demo

Obist, Thanks for the "advice", I'm not looking to get fussy but, the links do not work when I click them. I can not go to these or access any of the websites with the antivirus protection. I can use Internet explorer, just not for accessing antivirus scans or the like. I have gotten microsoft updates, just not lately.
I have windows XP pro. Its a computer I bought for twenty bucks from the school district I work for. I do not have a CD that has all the windows install stuff. I guess I'm screwed out twenty bucks. I've gotten a good year out of it so I'm not out much but my web service contract is still active for two more months. I wish I could try those things because I'm NOT afraid of this thing. I just simply do not know what to do besides scrap it or continue to use it. It works fine, its not slow or anything I just wanted to know why I could not search words with Virus associated with it. Now I know it probably is a virus, and a nasty one if that.
I used to have an I mac with virtually no problems and I sold it at a garage sale and now wish I had it back. I thought it was time for me to try windows XP. I've enjoyed it but the viral problems have gotten me confused, and that is why I'm here.

Maxter, that latest link does not work either. I'm sorry.

I have tried to do the suggestions offered and with no success I will just move on and I guess I'll just pass it on to whomever crosses my path because the viral gods win. I hope they are happy.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. I really appreciated all the advice and suggestions.

Neal

Take a look at this forum, he has a some suggestions about how to get around the problem you're having. Just scroll down past the 'don't download anything or you'll be sorry' list and there's a bunch of good information there.

If you can't see it either post back and I'll copy it and send it to you as a text file.

WW

Here is a link that might be useful: info about this problem