Browserwise

[Guest Bosstones Fan]

Alright, somehow, I've acquired this annoying little search bar called Browserwise that likes to appear at strange times (thus forcing me to close it), or open its own toolbar in my browser window.

 

So, my question is, have any of you guys had a problem with this thing? And, if so, how can I go about getting rid of it? It's not listed in my Add/Remove Programs list, and I'm kind of at a loss as to how it has weasled its way onto my computer.

[Guest Eagan469]

If you have Internet Explorer, right click on a blank spot on the standard toolbar (the one with back, stop, refresh, etc.) and you'll see all open toolbars with a check mark next to them. Click the one you want to make it inactive.

[Guest MrRant]

Alright, somehow, I've acquired this annoying little search bar called Browserwise that likes to appear at strange times (thus forcing me to close it), or open its own toolbar in my browser window.

 

So, my question is, have any of you guys had a problem with this thing? And, if so, how can I go about getting rid of it? It's not listed in my Add/Remove Programs list, and I'm kind of at a loss as to how it has weasled its way onto my computer.

I may be spyware.. try downloading ad-aware from CNET or something.

[Guest I'm That Damn Zzzzz]

I did a quick search on Google and some of the listings suggest Browserwise is a virus, so update your anti-virus program.

Others suggest it's part of Xupiter, a browser hijacker, which can be killed with Adaware ( http://www.lavasoftusa.com ) and Spybot Search and Destroy ( http://security.kolla.de/ ). Use both for best results.

 

Also useful is http://www.smartin-designs.com/downloads/f...full_127001.zip , which is an updated HOSTS file, a simple text file (open it with Notepad if you want to check it) which will stop thousands of websites from putting their spyware and whatnot from reaching your computer. Learn more at http://www.smartin-designs.com/ .

 

Go to http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource.htm and download IE-Spyad (direct link http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/ie-spyad.zip ), a registry entry text file that puts thousands of websites in Internet Explorer's Restricted zone, stopping tracking cookies, spyware and more.

 

Your best bet, however is download and use the Opera web browser ( http://www.opera.com ) since it's much safer to use than Internet Explorer, and faster too.

 

If you have any other questions ask and I'll try to help.

 

(Minor edit, rearranged some sentences and clarified a point or two.)

[Guest Bosstones Fan]

Thanks, guys. AdAware has been installed, and my anti-virus program has been updated.

 

Hopefully, this will fix the problem, but if not, I'll follow the rest of Zzzz's advice.