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The Oz Round Table boards => The Round Table => Topic started by: *barny* on December 22, 2009, 04:42:20 PM

Title: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 22, 2009, 04:42:20 PM
G'Day folks,

Lately, I have been (still am) having a problem with Google. When doing a search, I enter the key words I think I need, and I get a list of options ( as always)...

But when I select an entry to go to, and click.... It gets redirected to somewhere else.... I then close that window, and click on where I wanted to go (second time) and all is OK, and I end up where I want...

Before clicking on the target site, I hover the cursor over the link, and the correct address shows in the little box thingy at the top of the screen...

Anybody else having this ??

What am I doing wrong (it certainly didn't used to do this)

Have I got a virus ??? I have AVG9.0, and run it weekly...

 :wine:
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 22, 2009, 04:45:29 PM
Uh-Oh!
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *smee* on December 22, 2009, 04:52:34 PM
cant help Barny , but something strange is happening with AVG mine automatically runs a daily scan and its taking longer and longer every day and really slows the putor down ... I have just been looking to see how to diable it but cant ? also cant seem to find where to alter the time and/or frequency of the scans ... very very annoying 
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 22, 2009, 04:58:16 PM
Smee------>(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/rontello/Thread%20Stuff/COMEDY.gif)
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: wyzeguy60 on December 22, 2009, 05:00:52 PM
G'Day folks,

Lately, I have been (still am) having a problem with Google. When doing a search, I enter the key words I think I need, and I get a list of options ( as always)...

But when I select an entry to go to, and click.... It gets redirected to somewhere else.... I then close that window, and click on where I wanted to go (second time) and all is OK, and I end up where I want...

Before clicking on the target site, I hover the cursor over the link, and the correct address shows in the little box thingy at the top of the screen...

Anybody else having this ??

What am I doing wrong (it certainly didn't used to do this)

Have I got a virus ??? I have AVG9.0, and run it weekly...

 :wine:


And I thought it was only us. Very frustrating and annoying. on the desktop PC we sometimes have to click 3 times on the link to get the right one. On the lap top it always takes us to the correct site first go.

I have checked the firewall and settings etc and no clues there. A computer guru will help us I am sure. Without google I am lost !!!!!
 ;D
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 22, 2009, 05:04:11 PM
Without g00gle, I am no one.
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 22, 2009, 05:05:28 PM
cant help Barny , but something strange is happening with AVG mine automatically runs a daily scan and its taking longer and longer every day and really slows the putor down ... I have just been looking to see how to diable it but cant ? also cant seem to find where to alter the time and/or frequency of the scans ... very very annoying 

Hi Smee,

I can't help with speed of the scan.... But, if you've got AVG9.0, to change scan schedule..

Double click on AVG icon in the tray (bottom right of screen) , then single click > computer scanner > Scedule Scans > edit scan schedule... and you're there.

Bythe way, mine is the AVG pro.. not the free version.

 :wine:
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *smee* on December 22, 2009, 05:09:38 PM
Thanks Barny I can get that far ... but it doesnt seem to allow you to alter the time to schedule the scan for , so I have just unticked nearly everything and see how it goes ... thing is its only been doing these stipid scans since the last update so I have also just clicked the undo latest update thingo and after it asking me 8,339,412 times if I was sure , I think it reverted back to the un updated version of AVG which worked just fine ... once again I think its a case of a IT person trying to complicate a simple program that worked fine until he tinkered with it !
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 22, 2009, 05:10:38 PM
Thanks Wyzeguy,

It helps to know that someone else has a similar problem... more likely to get a solution I think..

I am now on Firefox, and have done a couple of google searches, and found (so far) that going to the target is good.... But when hitting the Firefox "home" icon, I get the redirection to almost anywhere.... pressing the home icon repeatedly (every time I finishes up on a not wanted sight) eventually goes to Myspace... every time... Bugga..

 :wine:
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 22, 2009, 05:15:47 PM
Ok Smee,

I have just gone back into mine and it allows me to change anything I like....

I suspect the free version would not allow the changes maybe ???

Also, my scan time has more than halved since installing the latest version of AVG pro....

I did have a hitch when installing, and found the AVG website help really good... Maybe you could send them a list of your problems and ask for answers..

 :wine:
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 22, 2009, 05:16:09 PM
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/rontello/Thread%20Stuff/PCtroub1.gif)
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 22, 2009, 05:19:09 PM
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/rontello/Thread%20Stuff/PCtroub1.gif)

I have it on good authority that Smee Enterprises is now stocking "Byte Bats"..

These are baseball shaped bats made of sponge rubber, that allow you to bash the bejeesus out of your PC without damageing it... Wonderful gadget for frustration relief..

 :wine:

Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: low-enghooi on December 22, 2009, 05:27:27 PM
Hi wine,

Try the free MalwareBytes scanner: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your desktop, check for Updates before scanning.

If this doesn't help, maybe consider contact the author of this blog for further assistance.

http://miekiemoes.blogspot.com/search?q=google+hijack
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 22, 2009, 05:28:24 PM
Hi wine,

Try the free MalwareBytes scanner: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your desktop, check for Updates before scanning.

If this doesn't help, maybe consider contact the author of this blog for further assistance.

http://miekiemoes.blogspot.com/search?q=google+hijack


Thanks Low, I'll give it a go...


 :wine:
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 22, 2009, 05:29:27 PM
Wonderful gadget for frustration relief..


You'll never sell one to Ubb with the 50 Cal. !
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 22, 2009, 05:31:57 PM
Wonderful gadget for frustration relief..


You'll never sell one to Ubb with the 50 Cal. !

Maybe right Tello.... But Ubby can only use his computer once... he would be better off contacting Smee

 :wine:
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 22, 2009, 05:35:22 PM
I think Ubb's 'pooter otta watch its ass!
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *Ubbie Max* on December 22, 2009, 10:02:58 PM
My computer shivers with fear when I turn it on. It's not game to play up, although, it's now an elderly computer & a bit slow so I have to show a bit of compassion.

I use Yahoo as a search thingo, I've got google installed but Yahoo seems to do what I want.

There's another one called All the web which a mate of mine uses & he is a computer genius.
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 22, 2009, 10:12:04 PM
Good on you Ubb.
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 23, 2009, 11:56:49 AM
Hi wine,

Try the free MalwareBytes scanner: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your desktop, check for Updates before scanning.

If this doesn't help, maybe consider contact the author of this blog for further assistance.

http://miekiemoes.blogspot.com/search?q=google+hijack


Just an update...

I have tried several times (during a full day) and the first site shown gives me the dreaded "internet explorer cannot show the page....

Cheers
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: low-enghooi on December 23, 2009, 01:05:33 PM
Maybe try it on another computer.

Also try this: http://www.spybot.org/

Can you also check if you can load: www.symantec.com

If all things fail, is it possible for you to try with Firefox?
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *CountessA* on December 23, 2009, 01:11:02 PM
Barny, what you're describing seems like a browser hijack.

Can you check what your homepage should be? In IE, it should be Tools >> Internet Options >> Home Page.
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *smee* on December 23, 2009, 01:41:07 PM
cant help Barny , but something strange is happening with AVG mine automatically runs a daily scan and its taking longer and longer every day and really slows the putor down ... I have just been looking to see how to diable it but cant ? also cant seem to find where to alter the time and/or frequency of the scans ... very very annoying 

Well despite my best efforts yesterday .... scan happened again today another hour and a half of sheer misery ... anyhow after clicking on every conceivable button I finally found how to change the scan schedule and have set it for Sunday only now not every ####### day
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 23, 2009, 01:51:58 PM
You know...I expect you peeps to be smart, knowledgeable and stuff.....

I ain't layin down some heavy crap or anything, but I just gotta say:

Yer all starting to look like a contained let-down.


 :shakehead:
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: low-enghooi on December 23, 2009, 02:01:56 PM
Hi all,

On the net, this is known as Google hijack. No easy solution yet.

But people reporting success with the free MalwareBytes scanner:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Barny, can you please try Google Chrome: http://www.google.com/chrome

I read both IE and Firefox were compromised, but not Google Chrome.

Thanks.



Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *Yibida* on December 23, 2009, 02:32:47 PM
You know...I expect you peeps to be smart, knowledgeable and stuff.....

I ain't layin down some heavy crap or anything, but I just gotta say:

Yer all starting to look like a contained let-down.


 :shakehead:

""Yer all starting to look like a contained let-down""

Heh !.. I'm no newbie let down dude !... with what I know I can destroy.. [ IF I choose ].. mankind as you know it !.... { I'm leaving the womin around tho ! }
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 23, 2009, 02:35:17 PM
*<):-{=<" tuff guy, eh? "<<
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *Yibida* on December 23, 2009, 02:46:14 PM
*<):-{=<" tuff guy, eh? "<<

Dare to challenge me eh ?....you realize I have a splut tool do you ?
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *smee* on December 23, 2009, 02:50:16 PM
a split tool is worse than a slow dongle !
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *Yibida* on December 23, 2009, 02:54:12 PM
a split tool is worse than a slow dongle !

Smee how ya holding up with the Melbourne heat ?....
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *smee* on December 23, 2009, 02:57:56 PM
a split tool is worse than a slow dongle !

Smee how ya holding up with the Melbourne heat ?....

What melbourne heat ?  we have had 1 warm day since I was here ... 39 and that isnt hot ... its mild
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *Yibida* on December 23, 2009, 03:00:46 PM
a split tool is worse than a slow dongle !

Smee how ya holding up with the Melbourne heat ?....

What melbourne heat ?  we have had 1 warm day since I was here ... 39 and that isnt hot ... its mild


What would you consider hot then ?....
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 23, 2009, 03:10:43 PM
*<):-{=<" tuff guy, eh? "<<

Dare to challenge me eh ?....you realize I have a splut tool do you ?

Good Grief!
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/rontello/Christmas/Despair-xmas-hat.gif)
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *smee* on December 23, 2009, 03:12:05 PM
anything in the 40's is atarting to get warm Yibs ... about 5 years ago I worked in the pilbara for 1 summer ... the first 105 days that I was there it was in excess of 40 degrees most days around the 43 - 45 mark and we were working in the sun dealing with triple bogey road train loads of mining gear and general freight ... now that was hot work ... luckily as the manager I could spend some time hiding doing paper work in my aircond office with a well stocked bar fridge ... and everynight it was knock off work , shower off red dust and sweat and straight to the bar until stumps.....

spasmodic hot days are easy to deal with its when you get a string of them it gets draining IMO
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 23, 2009, 03:37:25 PM
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/rontello/Frost%2012-20-09/12-22-09%20Snow/Iamhere-snow2.jpg)
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 23, 2009, 04:16:51 PM
Ok....

Update... Not happy with google...

Loaded Google Chrome..... Searched for ozrountable.... Clicked on first item on the list.... Went to Myspace... Again !!!!

Now, how do I get rid of google chrome ????

 :wine:
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 23, 2009, 04:22:51 PM
Further update... Google chrome seems to have self destructed, and reverted to Ordinary Google...

This time, same search, same list shown.... Click on first item... goes to Be naughty online dating service. AAggghhhhh !!!

How does one get help from Google ??? Do they have a help section ??

Stop looking. I found it.... Will send a help request to Google, and will report back on results.

 :wine:
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *Yibida* on December 23, 2009, 04:30:20 PM



Barny Thats what happens when you hit insert flash... smees warned us many times !...your only hope now is Yoda !.....
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: low-enghooi on December 23, 2009, 04:32:06 PM
Hi wine,

No, that is not google problem. Some malware or spyware (not virus) has gone into your computer. You need a good anti-malware or anti-spyware to detect and clean your system.

As for google chrome, just uninstall it.

Maybe try this youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Re1SVSHkA4
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *smee* on December 23, 2009, 04:38:13 PM
goes to Be naughty online dating service. AAggghhhhh !!!

yes Barny at times like that it will direct you to your most visited site
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *CountessA* on December 23, 2009, 04:39:30 PM
Barny, read through this: http://en.kioskea.net/forum/affich-47081-searching-on-google-being-redirected

Quote
From what I've read on the net it seems this can happen when you have an older version of java that is exploited resulting in this malware.

You can try the information on the Whirlpool forum: http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/?tag=malware_removal

You can also try reading through this - a post which seems to describe the same problem you have: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic230221.html
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 23, 2009, 04:59:02 PM
Barny, read through this: http://en.kioskea.net/forum/affich-47081-searching-on-google-being-redirected

Quote
From what I've read on the net it seems this can happen when you have an older version of java that is exploited resulting in this malware.

You can try the information on the Whirlpool forum: http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/?tag=malware_removal

You can also try reading through this - a post which seems to describe the same problem you have: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic230221.html

Thanks for this Tessa...

I tried the kioskea link, and it had a massive conflict with the smilies page.... After some time I managed to close the smilie page and I got in.... It all looks too hard for me...

Google help isn't any good... It's just a huge bowl of spagetti links with many, many users having the problem, but no answers that I could find..

My next avenue will be to contact AVG... as I am a paid up user of V9.07... They may be working on a fix...

I will let people know what happens...

cheers
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: wyzeguy60 on December 24, 2009, 11:54:05 AM
hi all, working off laptop. need Low to come back.

installed and ran spybot program and lost all computer internet settings and protocols. computer now dead and a real big headache. will not allow me to reset system settings. It appears to have deleted files needed btween modem, networks etc.
If you are there Low - do you have any suggestions how to restore system to what it was. System restore does not seem to work, cheers dave
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: low-enghooi on December 24, 2009, 12:14:31 PM
Hi Dave,

Sorry to hear that. Are you able to load Windows in safe mode? If not what error message do you get?

Do you still remember what items have been deleted?

What error did you see on System Restore?
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 24, 2009, 12:28:56 PM
Hey wyze, which one do you have?

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r271/rontello/macintosh.gif)

http://oldcomputers.net/ (http://oldcomputers.net/)
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 24, 2009, 02:20:01 PM
Hi All,

I have had a message back from AVG that is not much help at this stage...

But they did send me a diagnostic tool that created a log file which I have sent to them (I reckon it was just a record of the stuff on my PC).. but it may give them a clue... And they have said that they will advise me further..

 :wine:

Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *CountessA* on December 24, 2009, 02:22:12 PM
I'm still betting that you have a redirecting trojan trying to divert traffic, Barny.
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 24, 2009, 02:26:04 PM
I'm still betting that you have a redirecting trojan trying to divert traffic, Barny.

I agree Countessa... What I want is for AVG to create a "locate and remove" tool in their daily updates, so I can get rid of the sucker...

Funny though, one would expect such a trojan to direct traffic to a specific site, not just redirect at random (well nearly)

 :wine:
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: gr8-expectations on December 24, 2009, 02:54:36 PM
i have had all these re-directing things happen on my two google mail accounts in the past week brickie
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: gr8-expectations on December 24, 2009, 02:56:08 PM
but it does not re-direct me to random sites ... just takes a while and says re-directing and i think it happened a couple of other times too, prolly find its a bug this not a virus , i.e. google buggy new sw will dissapear soon  or with update ...
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 24, 2009, 03:14:04 PM
Lose the eBay icon on yer toolbar.
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: low-enghooi on December 24, 2009, 03:20:10 PM
i have had all these re-directing things happen on my two google mail accounts in the past week brickie

I get these on and off. Don't know what is wrong. Just keep refreshing (F5) till the page load.
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 24, 2009, 05:59:12 PM
G'Day peoples,

**smug grin**

AVG sent me easy to follow instructions on what to do with a section of the file they sent me. It appears that 5 files where infected (or effected).

And it worked a treat.... All fixed.... Woooo Hooooo....

The download they sent me is HijackThis1991.

I don't know if it generally available (probably is) but if so, I wouldn't be able to interpret the scan results as AVG have done, and work out which components to fix...

Needless to say, I recommend AVG pro... together with their free help service...

 :wine:
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: tellomon on December 24, 2009, 06:06:35 PM
Good on ya, m8!
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: low-enghooi on December 24, 2009, 06:08:15 PM
Good to hear that wine.

HijackThis is available at: http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/

IMPORTANT: HijackThis does not determine what is good or bad. Do not make any changes to your computer settings unless you are an expert computer user.

Advanced users can use HijackThis to remove unwanted settings or files.
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 24, 2009, 06:10:54 PM
Thanks for the extra info Low...

It is a good warning to "not so savvy" computer uses like me..

 :wine:
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *CountessA* on December 24, 2009, 06:58:05 PM
Barny, that's a relief. I was already trying to think of a way to fix your computer problems from here, via some incredibly long fix-it arm borrowed from Inspector Gadget.
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *barny* on December 24, 2009, 08:47:09 PM
Barny, that's a relief. I was already trying to think of a way to fix your computer problems from here, via some incredibly long fix-it arm borrowed from Inspector Gadget.

Just a quick invite to your place, and i would be there in a flash...

**insert leering grin here**

Merry Christmas Countessa

 :wine:
Title: Re: Redirected Google search
Post by: *Yibida* on December 24, 2009, 08:52:50 PM
(http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/vv277/area_51_bucket/MerryYIB.jpg)