[Dolgo]

when I type in an address I often get this example. I type "www.msn.com" and it gives me this"http:///?%20www.msn.com" invalid syntax error. I type in www.msn.com again and sometimes the site I want pops up and sometimes I get the same error. This happens often, not every time. Pleas Help this is driving me crazy. I have XP, Ad-aware.

[Advertisements]

Don't worry too much about it.

Sometimes it happens and sometimes not. I have trouble logging into a website too. The page can't be displayed one day, and it can on another.

Give it some time to pass and try again in a few days.

Thanks for posting,

Werner

[Dark_Side]

Don't worry too much about it.

Sometimes it happens and sometimes not. I have trouble logging into a website too. The page can't be displayed one day, and it can on another.

Give it some time to pass and try again in a few days.

Thanks for posting,

Werner

[dsenette]

i'd do some thorough malware/spyware scans before writing this one off as a "woops i guess IE sucks again" sites not loading at random intervals is one thing. but the address in the bar changing that reliably is a whole different bucket of poop

[Dark_Side]

If you do suspect spyware or adware on your system please read the following carefully.

Here are some tips, to reduce the potential for spyware infection in the future, I strongly recommend installing the following applications:

Detect and Remove Programs:

• How to use Ad-Aware to remove Spyware <= If you suspect that you have spyware installed on your computer, here are instructions on how to download, install and then use Ad-Aware.
• How to use Spybot to remove Spyware <= If you suspect that you have spyware installed on your computer, here are instructions on how to download, install and then use Spybot. Similar to Ad-Aware, I strongly recommend both to catch most spyware.

Prevention Programs:

• Spywareblaster <= SpywareBlaster will prevent spyware from being installed.
• Spywareguard <= SpywareGuard offers realtime protection from spyware installation attempts.
• IE/Spyad <= IE/Spyad places over 4000 websites and domains in the IE Restricted list which will severely impair attempts to infect your system. It basically prevents any downloads (Cookies etc) from the sites listed, although you will still be able to connect to the sites.
• MVPS Hosts file <= The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your coputer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer
• Google Toolbar <= Get the free google toolbar to help stop pop up windows.

Other necessary Programs:

• AntiVirus Program<= An AntiVirus program is a must! Whether it is a free version like AVG or Anti-Vir, or a shareware version like Norton or Kapersky, this is a must have.
• Firewall<= A firewall is definatley a must have. Two good free versions are Sygate and ZoneLabs.
• More Secure Browser<= Internet Explorer is not the most secure and best browser. There are safer and better alternatives available. I recommend Firefox, however Opera and SlimBrowsers are good as well.

And also see TonyKlein's good advice
So how did I get infected in the first place? and Spyware Aid's spyware article: Spyware, Adware, Malware: What it is, how it got on my computer, how to get rid of it, and how to prevent it.

You can also go to the MALWARE forum and ask for help there. The people there are qualified professionals that really know what they are doing!

Thanks for posting and good luck!

Werner

[Kat]

Please go to the malware forum and follow the instructions at the top....Especially the CLICK HERE .

That will give you several steps that will help you clean up 70 percent of all problems by yourself. If at the end of the process you are still having difficulty--and you may not be-- then post a hijackthis log in THAT forum.

If you are still having problems after getting a clean bill of health from the malware expert, please return to this thread.

[cassykins]

Hey, VirusKillersM, that's an awesome list of links. Thanks for taking the time to post them! ^^