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HornetUK
17-07-2003, 18:31
As a PC new owner I have been OK for 2 months but now on start up I have an annoying 10cm x 2cm bar on my desktop that say News, Sport, etc and a search space. I can close it down but how has it installed itself and how do I get rid of it when I don't know what it is?

Thanks
imback
17-07-2003, 18:40
Either someone has installed it or it's spyware. If you are on any version of windows other than 2000, the easiest way to stop it would be go to START and then RUN type msconfig into the run box. click OK. Then click the tab tha says STARTUP

Now look in here for anything that suggests it's for seaching,or has bar in the name, also remove newdotnet, save now. Once you are done click APPLY then OK and restart the PC.

You can also rmeove anything that is starting when PC does in here.

HTH
homealone
17-07-2003, 18:47
I wondered about spyware as well - adaware6 & spybot are both good free spyware removers. Have a google for them. Even if it's not that this time, it's good for peace of mind to run them every now & again.

I would also think about installing a firewall like ZoneAlarm - another free download, which should help stop stuff like this happening.

Cheers

Gaz
Graham
17-07-2003, 18:53
Adaware can be downloaded for free from http://www.lavasoft.nu

If you don't have an up-to-date virus checker I'd also suggest visiting http://www.symantec.com and using their "symantec security check" to have a free scan of your system because there are some viruses that are disguised as search engine utilities.
Steve H
17-07-2003, 19:14
I had trouble when deleting newdotnet for some reason... Couldnt get the net connection to work.
El Diablo
17-07-2003, 21:08
You can download Adaware / Spybot / Zone alarm and loads of other useful freeware and shareware from http://www.webattack.com

I quite like MyPopUpKiller to... does exactly what it says on the tin!

:D
HornetUK
18-07-2003, 15:24
Cheers guys all sorted & I downloaded that lavasoft as well.
danielf
18-07-2003, 15:32
It may also be Microsoft Messenger spam. Messenger is enabled by default on XP. Try disabling that if the popups continue.
Russ
18-07-2003, 15:40
It's all down to personal taste but I'd recommend Spybot over Adaware :)