Is HiJackThis taking over the internet?

DavidGP · Jul 21, 2004

PLEASE DO NOT SPAM This I'm looking for an intelligent debate and answers, questions..........

The regulars of Majorgeeks have the knowlege and the tools to aid us in keeping spyware off our pc's but the average joe/jill are increasingly being hit by this new menace, we only have to see how many HijackThis logs are posted on various websites to see it becoming a nightmare.... goto google and search for info on a startup item ( process ) and you have to dig your way through 1000's of entries for HijackThis logs and ONLY maybe you will find the info you were after hours later, if your lucky.

I do think HJT is a great tool in helping remove spyware, but the logs are jamming the NET worse than spam mail and the spyware its out there to protect us against.

What could we do differently to stop the search engines from becoming a nightmare to search?

Is HiJackThis becoming more of a menace than the actual spyware itself?

PS. This is a serious topic so please treat it as such.....

Adrynalyne · Jul 21, 2004

I agree completely.

I mean, come on, Google is being rendered halfway useless.

I actually curse HJT because of it.

Kodo · Jul 21, 2004

I had mentioned this at least 2 or 3 months ago and didn't get much feedback from it.

I have no doubt in my mind that the HJT log is a phenomenon like I've never seen before. It is literally destroying the effectiveness of search engines when it comes to searching for specfic file information.

I had recommended at one point that people be required to upload the HJT text file that contained the log instead of directly posting to the thread.

Adrynalyne · Jul 21, 2004

I don't know much about this stuff, but could search engines actually implement something to ignore them? Like a setting in Google prefereces.

*Looks up at Abby's post*

GMTA

Kodo · Jul 21, 2004

Adrynalyne said:

I don't know much about this stuff, but could search engines actually implement something to ignore them? Like a setting in Google prefereces.
Click to expand...

They can filter by language and content... I'm sure they could filter for HJT logs..

G.T. · Jul 21, 2004

Well, I don't think you could call HJT logs a menace, but they're definitely clogging the plumbing.

Only thing I know to do is to go to Google's Advanced search, and put both HJT and "Hijack This", with the quotation marks, into the exclude field to filter out all the hits that include them. You might filter out some things that have useful info, but it should keep you from tripping over most of the HJT logs.

TheDoug · Jul 21, 2004

A PITA, but you can add -hijack -logfile when Googling processes.

Phantom · Jul 21, 2004

Hmm..Yes, this scenario occurred to me sometime back too. One reason why I just use the combination of CCleaner and Webroot's Spy Sweeper.

A H.J.T. log exclusion filter seems to work okay, but as G.T. said, it may exclude a small amount of wanted info-search too.

Freddy · Jul 21, 2004

The search engines look for tags that basically say, 'skip this' or 'go away'. HTJ could put in the tags.

Or google could make an effort not to include the logs in their parsing.

DavidGP · Jul 21, 2004

AbbySue said:

We discussed this a little in the mod forum a while back. HJT logs are interfering with net searches and forum searches. It's just crazy! We had discussed the possiblity of asking people to post their logs as an attachement and while that may help with searches of this forum it won't help with the big on-line search engines.

It would be great if we could come up with something we could maybe even submit to google as a suggestion that would for example...when doing a search we have an option to opt out of entries that pertain to HJT logs.
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I was after.....

I have tried all of the other things in this thread YES they limit the finds but you still have to wade through many pages to find the info you are after, tried a few more formula's best upto now is this as GT said in Advanced Search add this to "Without the Words"

HJT + HiJackThis + Hi Jack This

cuts down well on the few tests I did..... still not perfect tho

If as Adryn said Google or other search engine could have an option to remove HiJackThis references as I bet its clogging up there servers as well.

Corporal Punishment · Jul 21, 2004

What the net needs is an good interpreter program for the logs.

Major Attitude · Jul 21, 2004

Well, this is why, at least here, we started a spyware specific forum. Sadly, its the people using the program who are too lazy too read. It says its for advanced users. It says close running programs. A easy to understand tutorial is posted. But, they ignore it all, download and post. It sucks, but then again... Its good for our traffic, if everyone was geeky, we would be Wal-Mart greeters.

NeoNemesis · Jul 21, 2004

I also agree. I mean just look at the front page of the newly listed posting here on MG. Half of them are HJT logs that people post on here waiting for an answer.

I think there should be a seperate place on MG for HJT logs. Like a seperate category in the forum because there is just so many of them. It would make sense to have another one. You know?

DavidGP · Jul 21, 2004

NeoNemesis said:

I also agree. I mean just look at the front page of the newly listed posting here on MG. Half of them are HJT logs that people post on here waiting for an answer.

I think there should be a seperate place on MG for HJT logs. Like a seperate category in the forum because there is just so many of them. It would make sense to have another one. You know?
Click to expand...

There is its called the Spyware Specific forum

poor chaslang and other are slogging their guts out trying to keep up!

NeoNemesis · Jul 21, 2004

yeah i guess, but i mean it really should be called "HJT Logs Etc."

bigbazza · Jul 21, 2004

Good idea, NN. How about a sticky tutorial as well. I have read some less nerdy tutorials that may help the beginners. Or, if they are too lazy to read them, some kind MG 'er will help them with their log. Bazza

===

NeoNemesis said:

I also agree. I mean just look at the front page of the newly listed posting here on MG. Half of them are HJT logs that people post on here waiting for an answer.

I think there should be a seperate place on MG for HJT logs. Like a seperate category in the forum because there is just so many of them. It would make sense to have another one. You know?
Click to expand...

DavidGP · Jul 21, 2004

Major Attitude said:

Well, this is why, at least here, we started a spyware specific forum. Sadly, its the people using the program who are too lazy too read. It says its for advanced users. It says close running programs. A easy to understand tutorial is posted. But, they ignore it all, download and post. It sucks, but then again... Its good for our traffic, if everyone was geeky, we would be Wal-Mart greeters.
Click to expand...

Gotta agree with you Tim... yes its superb for traffic and for one I'm made up for you guys its a bonus, just like pharmacys and a flu epidemic, but now becoming a nightmare for researching some processes that are in HJT logs as Jim said if there was a interpreter program wow wouldnt that be a bonus... sadly I'm not that talented in programing.. my only claim to fame was getting a pac man clone going on a ZX spectrum.

a way to parse google or another seach engine into a tailored specific search would be a godsend......

I cannot imagine were we will be in less than one years time... what will searching the net be like?

NeoNemesis · Jul 21, 2004

@bazaa

That isn't such a bad idea either. I mean, like a sticky by chaslang or something on what to look for in the HJT logs.

Major Attitude · Jul 21, 2004

Neo,
This is easy to understand, it explains each section with examples and what to do. Only way it could be easier would be if it were a cartoon. Chaslang is a moderator in that forum, can and does make changes. See, you didnt even bother to look

But, a lot of people do not read it, hence the problem. It will not go away. MS browser being so popular is the huge problem.

DavidGP · Jul 21, 2004

NeoNemesis said:

yeah i guess, but i mean it really should be called "HJT Logs Etc."
Click to expand...

Still doesnt get around the topic that researching these logs can be a nightmare... try using google to research a running process, you will find many pages of HJT logs that still dont give you the info you need.

Bazza

Good idea, NN. How about a sticky tutorial as well. I have read some less nerdy tutorials that may help the beginners. Or, if they are too lazy to read them, some kind MG 'er will help them with their log. Bazza
Click to expand...

That is the crux of the problem I see appearing.... Tim/Jim & Kodo have a sticky posted at the top of the forum... getting peeps to read it is near on impossible unless you behind them with big stick! The amount of times I have seen MA and Chas and for that matter others aim people to read the sticky before posting is amazing.

even more amazing is what I am seeing now, not just on MGs but other fora, HJT logs posted when the problem is nothing to do with spyware.... users are going spyware crazy...maybe spooked into thinging with all the press about spyware that every little problem with the OS is spyware.

Is it getting out of hand ... quite possibly... wait and see what the future holds

NeoNemesis · Jul 21, 2004

yeah i know but im just trying to give suggestions.

alanc · Jul 21, 2004

Major Attitude said:

Sadly, its the people using the program who are too lazy too read. It says its for advanced users. It says close running programs. A easy to understand tutorial is posted. But, they ignore it all, download and post.
Click to expand...

Completely agree, and unfortunately the overall situation is unlikely to change. The laziness also extends to the attitude: "Why should I take the steps to be proactive about spyware when I can just run HJT and have someone interpret the log for me." How many times have we seen virtual blank stares when we direct people to run the normal apps first and only then post the log. The word is out on HJT and lots of peope think it's a cure-all for their problems.

I also think the Google filter idea is an excellent one.

Major Attitude · Jul 21, 2004

Well, like I said, when we started, it was all about tools here. This spyware thing has taken over the forums and files section. 3 years ago, this was almost unheard of. Not all bad, not all good...

NeoNemesis · Jul 21, 2004

alanc said:

Completely agree, and unfortunately the overall situation is unlikely to change. The laziness also extends to the attitude: "Why should I take the steps to be proactive about spyware when I can just run HJT and have someone interpret the log for me." How many times have we seen virtual blank stares when we direct people to run the normal apps first and only then post the log. The word is out on HJT and lots of peope think it's a cure-all for their problems.
Click to expand...

i also agree with you. i hate how people don't even look over the logs. I mean, i haev seen some that are so obvious, even my 10 year old brother would know which to delete. they automatically assume that they can't do it because of all the stuff in the log. Then they take it us at MG and other places all across the web. They expect other people to do it. idk about you but i think thats a little ignorant.

TheDoug · Jul 21, 2004

Go look at the logfile in the thread titled "first born child"...

NeoNemesis · Jul 21, 2004

yeah i know, there must be at least 30 files there she should delete. i feel bad for the guy that actually is going to help her because he has to list all those files lol.

Boccemon · Jul 21, 2004

While I am not geek by any stretch of the imagination, I try to take responsibility for my computer and its overall health. I had a problem two months ago that required HJT. I read some posts, read tutorials, D/L the proggie, and went to work. Yes, I had one hell of a time of it. Took several days, but got the problem corrected, and it has stayed that way ever since. I googled every line that I did not understand, and that was the toughest part because of the very thing that this post is about. Finding useful information in amongst all of the Google sites is terible as you have to wallow through countless items about problems.

I think the answer is simply what I said in the beginning of this post. More people, all people, need to take responsibility for correcting their computer problems. I know in my case it was one the most educational experiences I have had lately and it boosted my confidence regarding computers immensely. BTW, I was confident in the first place 'cause I knew I had a safe place (MG) to go to if I just couldn't find the answer. Luckily for me, I did not have to use it. IMHO, 5% of computer users are willing to do the work, and the other 95% are willing to let them. This has to change I think. just my 2 pennies.

TheDoug · Jul 21, 2004

I moderate another computer-related forum, and it's as true there as it is here-- most people think it's just on-demand free tech support. We tell them to use the Search first there, too-- and why-- but to no real effect. If they're not going to use Google, they're not going to read the Stickys, either.

Major Attitude · Jul 21, 2004

It is too bad, the sticky is there, Google is on everyones bookmarks... BUT, if you never ran Linux, try it sometime.. Its a good reminder how these people feel at the same time.. Sort of a reminder..

Freddy · Jul 23, 2004

Maybe if more people put links referring HJT problems to MG, google would put MG at the top of the list and they won't see the garbage.

Major Attitude · Jul 23, 2004

Were trying to be more fussy here, I am referring them to the tutorial and closing the thread in some cases. Someone tells them to download it and then they dont know what to do.. Problem is most hijacks need to be removed before using it.

DavidGP · Jul 23, 2004

Freddy said:

Maybe if more people put links referring HJT problems to MG, google would put MG at the top of the list and they won't see the garbage.
Click to expand...

Superb for traffic to MGs but still......

sadly that wouldnt help cut down on the log files you get while using search engines as over time the google spiders log each page for searching ..... it would however give the guys and girls helping out in the SW forum a coronery attack trying to keep up!

the only ways are possibly....

Filters for search engines ( better than they are now and easier to use )

A log interpreter program ( good one CP ) .. maybe built into apps like Ad-Aware, SBS&D, HJT

A way to post logs on a forum without the search spiders picking them up.... sadly this method would need the poster to follow strict posting rules, plus every site on the net dealing with HJT logs would have to follow suit.... not going to happen IMO.

what ever you think of these logs... they are here to stay, until spyware becomes a thing of the past!

Major Attitude · Jul 23, 2004

I guess we could do our part and consider demanding people attch their files.

NeoNemesis · Jul 23, 2004

or you could write a script or something that if the words Hijack This Log are in the subject of the thread, it automatically posts the link to the thread that says the information on what you need to do first.

DavidGP · Jul 23, 2004

Major Attitude said:

I guess we could do our part and consider demanding people attch their files.
Click to expand...

attaching files would stop the clutter ( something I gather Admins/Mods had been chatting about ), just a case of making members very aware of the posting guidelines.... how would you go about policeing that forum to make sure posters followed the guidelines ( the FAQs are now evolving as a definitive guide on the spyware subject btw )?

I know you can filter members post before they are actually posted, that would put more work on the admin/mods and would possibly put new members off and that is something I dont want for MGs.

one pitfall is how to monitor all postings and some will inevitibly get through without reading the sticky guides is moderators that can cover all timezones.

*just kicking a few thoughts around

btw if you seach Hijack This MGs is the 9th hit on google with Merijn having the top 2 slots so spyware and MGs is going up hand in hand, plus the links in other forums that I see from other parts of the globe diverting users here.... so its gonna get busy IF it isnt already!

Major Attitude · Jul 23, 2004

Read the forum, I tell people to read the sticky posts any more, I will explode. Its busy, but I have adjusted my Hijack This tutorial into a remove spyware and hijack this tutorial.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407

One thought I have is that considering how many people read that forum compared to those that post, most are solving their problem without ever posting. THIS is a good thing! So, the many getting help outweigh those having trouble, in the long run its all good. I am working on a tutorial now to avoid spyware.

NeoNemesis · Jul 23, 2004

that new tutorial is gonna be very long i assume. there are so many ways to get spyware.

bigbazza · Jul 23, 2004

Don't explode, MA, we need you. Look forward to the various tutorials. Bazza

====

Major Attitude said:

Read the forum, I tell people to read the sticky posts any more, I will explode. Its busy, but I have adjusted my Hijack This tutorial into a remove spyware and hijack this tutorial.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407

One thought I have is that considering how many people read that forum compared to those that post, most are solving their problem without ever posting. THIS is a good thing! So, the many getting help outweigh those having trouble, in the long run its all good. I am working on a tutorial now to avoid spyware.
Click to expand...

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