Computer virus help needed

I have a PC with windows XP. I have been getting a changed "Home Search" home page on internet, dispite reseting it using the tool function. I looked on the "add / remove program" screen, and found three unusual programs called, Search Extender, Home Search Assistent, and Shopping Wizard. I tried removing them, but each, when I attempt remove, sends the computer to an internet web page, that is called "looking-for.cc" and the web page asks for me to download a program to be used to un-install the offending programs.

I hesitate to download anything from a site that I was directed to by unwanted virus software, so what do i do to remove these programs?

Assuming someone can help me with removal, will this allow my home page to be "normal" again, so the home search does not come back?

thanks in advance for any help.

dave

 

Hi Dave,

You may have a real baddie!
Generally, it is a good idea to start with our Cleanup Tutorial. Be sure to run About:Buster and HSRemove as it instructs:

READ ME FIRST BEFORE ASKING FOR SUPPORT: Basic Spyware, Trojan and Virus Removal

There are only a few of us Volunteers who regularly offer advice in this forum. Running through the above Tutorial will remove a lot of stuff that would otherwise clog a HijackThis Log and save us valuable time.

Please let us know the steps that you are able to complete and the ones that give you problems. Note that you need to be in Safe Mode with System Restore OFF (if you have it - you didn't give OS) and have the Viewing of Hidden Files ENABLED as per the instructions in the link. Make sure to do the Online Scans.

Post back and let us know how you fared. Also, send us a HijackThis Log. Please be sure to follow the instructions below:

Note that your HijackThis should be up-to-date (v1.99) and MUST be extracted to its own safe folder – C:\Program Files\HijackThis!

Should you need a Fresh Download of HJT, get it HERE: HijackThis v1.99

Also note that, before you scan, you MUST close all running programs including your web browser, e-mail and items in the system tray.

Please save your HJT Log as a .txt File and attach it via the "Manage Attachments" tool in the Additional Options section when you post.

I’m not around this forum too often these days, but somebody will try to take a look when they get a chance.

Best luck
PP