Question for computer geniuses.

[greatauntoftriplets]

Can anyone tell me what IBIS Toolbar is? Just went through Adaware again and every time I have bunches of Critical Objects by that name.

Thanks!

[swag]

1. It's garbage. Let AdAware Remove it.

http://www.auditmypc.com/process/fash.asp

Ibis Toolbar is likely spyware and as such, presents a serious vulnerability which should be fixed immediately! Delaying the removal of fash.exe may cause serious harm to your system and will likely cause a number of problems, such as slow performance, loss of data or leaking private information.

[greatauntoftriplets]

2. I run Adaware every few days to get rid of it.

That's exactly what I figured. Thanks.

[swag]

3. Hm. What operating system (Windows XP Home?) does your computer run?

There may be a patch to prevent reinfection.

Also, are you on dial-up, cable, DSL, or other?

[greatauntoftriplets]

4. Windows XP Home.

DSL.

[swag]

7. Do you have "automatic updates" turned on?

If not, or if you don't know, visit this site when you have an hour or 90 minutes to spare (sooner rather than later), and install all available critical updates:

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

Note that this could take a while, and will alter in small ways the way your computer works, but the alterations will largely be for the better.

If the noxious toolbar keeps reinstalling itself, we'll talk about SpyWare Guard, Spybot Search & Destroy, CW Shredder, and some other free tools you can use to protect your computer and yourself.

I'm not the most responsive guy in the world, but am happy to try to help, so PM me if you get puzzled about anything.

[ChaoticSilly]

12. You do have a firewall running also don't you?

A real one, not that piece of crap thing that's included with Windows. With dsl you really need one unless your dsl modem acts like a hardware firewall and even then it's not a bad idea to have both - especially if you still use Internet Explorer & Outlook. There's plenty of free options out there, like Kerio, Sygate & ZoneAlarm.

[greatauntoftriplets]

13. My modem acts as a firewall.

I use Mozilla Firefox and not Outlook.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

15. What brand of modem do you have? I didn't know any of them

recently could also be a firewall. Also unless a firewall is "setup" to block spyware, etc. it's not going to do any good. If you keep getting reinfected then it be some of the websites you are going to; as far as I know DU is fine.

[Old_Fart]

5. Spyware

You need a utility that closes the back door to your computer. A hacker can get into your computer if you don't have one.

[BootinUp]

6. Install Spybot Search and Destroy also

and enable the "tea timer" function. It stops the registry from being changed without your knowledge. Thats where toolbars and other spyware crap gets installed much of the time.

You can get it here:

www.spychecker.com

[Catch22Dem]

8. greataunt, the problem with adaware (free) and spybot S&D...

These tools only remove spyware AFTER it's already on your machine. For all of Microsoft's faults, they did do something right recently. They bought Giant Anti-Spyware about 6 months ago. They released Giant's anti-spyware tool under the name "Microsoft Anti-Spyware" and said they'd decide later if they'd charge for it. They recently said they're going to keep offering the product for free.

The great thing about Giant (now Microsoft) is it always runs. Instead of removing spyware after it gets on your machine, it runs all the time preventing spyware from ever installing. This is a feature you usually have to pay for with the other tools like AdAware. Microsoft Anti-Spyware is super-simple to get running, and you'll eventually want to delete all the other anti-spyware tools you've ever downloaded. Go ahead and give it a shot. It's free.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en

[BootinUp]

10. correction though

tea timer enabled with spybot, prevents spyware from ever being installed.

[Catch22Dem]

14. Correction noted. I'll check it out.

And you don't have to pay extra for that? Sorry, I'd edit my above post, but it looks like time has expired.

[BootinUp]

16. its freeware.

All features are included.

http://www.spychecker.com/program/spybot.html

I have used it for about 10 months, and I recommend it. It also seems to be highly rated by users who have tried other proggies.

[greatauntoftriplets]

9. Thanks all.

You are being a great help. I am bookmarking this thread so I can download more protection when I have the time.

[KitchenWitch]

11. Another spyware blocker that is free

and prevents some of the nasty stuff from getting on your system is Spyware Blaster.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Hope this is helpful.