Browser Hijacking
What is browser hijacking?
Browser hijacking is an incredibly annoying practice where malicious web sites and/or software change your browser settings without your knowledge or permission.
This results in your browser's home page, search pages and possibly other web sites redirecting you to a generally undesirable web page that is often full of offensive comment and contain an unending stream of pop-up ads. Sometimes you will also find unwanted sites added to your favorites list.
The browser most often affected by browser hijacking is Internet Explorer, since 90% of people use it.
Fixing this problem can be as easy as changing the settings back to the defaults in Internet Explorer, but usually it is much more problematic because every time you restart your computer, the browser hijacking program will change your settings back to what IT wants them to be.
Most spyware removal programs will attempt to remove browser hijacking problems, but they are often unsuccessful. Many require manual removal of files and possibly even editing your Windows registry. This is a BIG DEAL because, if you change something in the registry the wrong way, you can REALLY mess up your computer.
If your browser has been hijacked, check our Browser Hijacking category to see if your specific browser hijacker has already been posted. These posts usually include a link with manual removal instructions.
If you don't recognize any of the listed hijackers as the one you are having problems with, please post a new question with the name of the site you are being redirected to. We generally answer questions within a few days.
To help prevent your browser from getting hijacked in the first place, here's a cool utility that's free: http://www.wilderssecurity.com/bhblaster.html
Last update: 2004-01-12 12:25
Author: Jordana
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