Unwanted Icons

I booted up today and found 7 new icons that I am unable to locate or delete!! Cannot right click to property, to see where or who they belong to, only able to open and it takes me here: http://www.empirepoker.com/indexnp.htm?wm=1700172, that is just one. I went into start up and search and many places I can't even remember looking for these to try and delete, but am unable. I can'teven drop & drag these bums!!! HAve tried Norton, Ad Aware & Spy bot, no help. Help please!!! BTW, I am at best a novice, but I try.. Thanks in advance,,Mick

 

Sounds as if you have been infected with spyware/malware. First, go to Add/Remove Programs, and see if anything is listed there that you don't recognize. If it is, delete it, providing that you know that it won't cause you problems. If this doesn't help, I would suggest that you go to the Spyware Specific forum on this site, and follow all the advice and instructions in the sticky's at the top of the page. If problems persist after following the procedures, post in the SpyWare section, and I'm sure that someone will help you!

 

Thanks, as I write this I have downloaded AVG which is running right now, found 10 viruses thus far. Not to savy with the computer, but have checked in add/remove area, nothing new, ran ad aware, windows registry pro, Norton ect. I'll see how AVG does me. As with all the other icons, I can at least move/delete at will. These icons will only allow me to double click on them and that action results in my browser taking me to that specific site, casino, bingo ect. A royal pain, but I'm learning.

 

Welcome, Mick! Stick around, you'll be amazed at the knowledge here. I've learned tons from the people on this site.

 

Mick - I have the same problem, they are also showing as Favorites in IE, let's hope someone can fix this

 

I just tried again, no luck even when attempting to delete from favorites. Being just dangerous enough to do some damage, I'm stumped!!! Help !! Have AVG, Ad Aware, spy bot, & windows registry repair, no luck, they do not show up in the add/remove area either. have them in my favorites, cannot delete there, they show up in the drop down window but when I go to the "orginize" area, they aren' there. Can't "drop & drag", nothing.

 

spyware forum-read thru sticky posts

 

If these are 6 or seven unmovable, undeletable desktop icons that have to do with gambling, poker, casinos, etc, that all showed up at the same time, it appears they have to do with a site called lop.com. They provide an uninstall that you can download (click on Help at the bottom of their home page). Yes, I am skeptical of uninstall progs offered by scum purveyors themselves, but I have read that it works. You can Google for manual solutions if you are uncomfortable using it. I also read the source is something called Messenger Plus, which is either an add-on for MSN, or is being confused by people as being something to do with MSN. Apparently, there is a point in the install of it where you agree to something-- which installs the "sponsor's product" or somesuch, but, to avoid installing it, you should have just clicked cancel or next.Good luck.

 

YOU, The Doug, are the man, top dog, head honcho, big cheese, bag 'o chips and all dat !!! Went to the site and done!! Thank you, thank you , thank you. I'm kind of a novice at this, but have learned a lot in one day. Thanks to all who replied!! Be good, stay low and enjoy the new year all,,,,,,,,,,,,By the way, I just put mittens on my kids hands, who both said, "wasn't me", this should last at least a day before the next crisis!!

 

Hey Mick, one more thing. You didn't mention which opetating system you are using, but if you are using XP, make sure you turn off the restore points when you try to remove the virus with AVG, otherwise they may keep showing up.