OT: redirect virus

Submitted by Michigan4Life on
Today, I just got redirect virus. My Firefox keeps redirecting sites in different window everytime I click on a link or site.

I currently am running malwarebytes and spyware at the moment. I am typing this from my iPod so anybody with a computer or IT background, any advice or tips for me on keeping my computer free from dns redirect virus? Thank you!

LSAClassOf2000

July 8th, 2012 at 10:38 PM ^

If it is the Google redirect virus that affects Firefox, check your add-ons and remove anything that you don't personally remember installing, or even all of them. That might help as I think that  is one of the things it targets (going from some reading I have done admittedly). 

SysMark

July 8th, 2012 at 10:49 PM ^

format c:

Probably the most underutilized command in computer maintenance.  Seriously though, keep everything constantly backed up and don't be afraid to reinstall and start over.

SysMark

July 9th, 2012 at 1:00 AM ^

I was actually mostly joking.  Please don't run that command unless you are sure of what you are doing.  It reformats the drive, erasing all data.  It will however eliminate all existing problems and give you a fresh start.  If you can reinstall the OS and all programs, and have everything backed up, it is an option worth considering.

But don't do it unless you are absolutely sure.

 

SysMark

July 9th, 2012 at 11:16 AM ^

It was in fact just a little bit of dark internet humor.  However in some situations it's not as crazy as it sounds.  Actually, rather than reformatting, you could replace the boot drive with a new one, reinstall everything, and keep the original as a backup/data drive.  That is the surest way to get rid of any really bad stuff and preserve your content.

Other ways may seem more painless but if they don't completely eradicate the problem the real pain will keep on coming.

corundum

July 8th, 2012 at 11:08 PM ^

You can edit your system registry manually (open in safe mode and set the view to "show hidden files"). You want to try to delete the breached files, but if you delete something important you might do permanent damage to your computer.

Another option is to download tdsskiller since it sounds like the redirect symptom might be of the trojan virus variety.

Either way, if you can find out what the exact virus is that is impacting your operating system (you will probably need to use a different computer), it will make the removal process much easier. Keep in mind that many of these viruses are specifically designed to keep your antispyware and antivirus programs from downloading updates that help protect your device.

JHendo

July 9th, 2012 at 7:17 AM ^

I've worked in website development and now I'm in IT systems support, so I'd like to consider myself better than average at this kind of thing. I've been infected by this virus twice, about 2 years ago. Anti-virus/malware couldn't fix it, nor could I fix it by going through the registry. I had to restore my computer to a previous date to back up important files and then I reset it back to factory settings. I wouldn't suggest just a restore to a previous date because a half-smart hacker creates a virus that will sit dormant for a little bit before it starts causing trouble (in case someone tries to get rid of it by just using the restore option). Good luck.