BS: Search Assistant spyware - how remove?

Subject: BS: Search Assistant spyware - how remove?
From: GUEST,Ian P
Date: 26 Aug 04 - 01:33 PM

I have a piece of spyware on my PC that does not seem to appear anywhere except my list of programmes on add/remove. Clever stuff. When I try to remove it in the usual way nothing

happens. I am not a techno and am not a member of any techno users' group so I'm a bit lost. It's called Search Assistant and I suspect it is related to Searchweb2 that hijacked my toolbar

and home page, which I managed to get rid of a while ago. I've tried Spybot and Spy Sweeper, as well as Ad-Aware, but though it is listed in many places on the net as spyware, none of

the programmes detect it. How do I remove it? Please?

Subject: RE: BS: Search Assistant spyware - how remove?
From: GUEST,peedeecee
Date: 26 Aug 04 - 02:34 PM

It is a browser hijacker. Google "Hijack This!", a programme that detects browser hijackers, and allows you to remove them. However, if you are not very experienced with computers it's easy to make a mistake with Hijack This, so you might want to get a friend to help you. Anyway, d/l Hijack This, run it (click on Scan), and search the results you get for any reference to Search Assistant or SearchWeb2. If you find them, check the box for removal and proceed. *Important* -- make sure to leave alone any "Search" references you find that also reference Google or any other established program.

I use this terrific utility once a month, or when I see that my browser is not doing what I want it to (especially searches).

Subject: RE: BS: Search Assistant spyware - how remove?
From: mack/misophist
Date: 26 Aug 04 - 08:51 PM

You might also consider not using IExplorer, that's what CERT suggests. There are free alternatives, better ones.

Subject: RE: BS: Search Assistant spyware - how remove?
From: Cluin
Date: 26 Aug 04 - 09:19 PM

Check out this thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Search Assistant spyware - how remove?
From: GUEST,peedeecee
Date: 26 Aug 04 - 09:43 PM

Well, I sure checked out your thread, Cluin, and it has a lot of great advice. Thank you for referencing it. Have you tried Hijack This! by the way?