I'd appreciate some help from a knowledgable gearhead. When I use Google or Yahoo for a search, results appear that seem legit when presented. However when I click on them I am directed to crap sites. Something is hijacking my browser. I am running antivirus, etc., and have erased cookies. But no help thus far. I use Windows XP. I am seeing the problem on both IE and Firefox.
Spybot Ad-Aware Malwarebytes Download and Run all three. Be sure to Update prior to running the scans. I also use Spywareblaster in an effort to block some of the critters before they make their way onto the HD. HTH. - Spydertrader
Malwarebytes is an AWESOME program. A virus may elude spybot or ad aware-those are fine for normal tracking maintance-but if you've got some evil stuff cooking Malewarebytes is the kind.
In addition to the previously mentioned programs, I have had good results with SuperAntiSpyware. It is also a free program.
My buddy's laptop had the same problem - none of the standard virus removal programs touched the problem. The only one that worked, and worked permanently was A-squared. http://www.download.com/A-squared-Free/3000-2239_4-10262215.html Spybot and Ad-Aware both failed to get rid of the problem (it was coolwebsearch I think, and it was nasty bugger).