Internet explorer

Discussion in 'Trading Software' started by NasdaqTrader, May 8, 2004.

  1. I went through most of the same issues as you a couple of months ago. Even after removing data miners and browser hi-jack settings with Ad-aware, every time I started IE it would re-write them all back in.

    I finally re-formatted my HD (drastic, but worth it to me for security since I do banking and broker stuff) and use the Firefox browser only with Zonealarm, Grisoft, and Ad-aware daily.
    I went into my settings and turned off IE and removed the icon from my desktop.

    Problems gone, and despite a daily check I have not seen a since data miner or any other problem since!
     
    #11     May 9, 2004
  2. mark1

    mark1 Guest

    exactly the same configuration I'm using now, no more malicious activex, trojan and all that $*it.

    I use IE only when I need to download an activex from a well known web site (ie trend micro virus scan)

    I ve' been hit by a virus that switched my connection to another one created by this activex .
    It's a new generation of dialer and the very bad news is that it works with broadband (I use DSL).
    Don't ask me how it is possible, but this little bastard was able to call a number somewhere in Africa and my tel. bill is witness.
    I found only one site covering this new virus, it's very rare but it can be very costy :mad:

    The new connection was named DIDO if you find info please post here, I'm sure it will spread all over very soon and we better get ready cause there's no antivirus yet :(
     
    #12     May 9, 2004

  3. do you have a link to this site??? what is the name of the virus? dido??
     
    #13     May 9, 2004
  4. mark1

    mark1 Guest

    Ok I think I managed to understand what happened:
    I had a dial up connection which I use as a backup, it seems that this virus used it to make the call.

    Quote from a web site:
    Dialers
    Dialers are a type of software traditionally used by vendors serving pornography via the Internet, but are increasingly seen by companies seemingly offering web services. Once dialer software is downloaded, the user is disconnected from his or her modem's usual Internet service provider, connected to another phone number, and the user is billed. Dialers will often alter your DUN settings to silence the modem, effectively hiding the fact that a connection is being made. Dialers do not "spy" on their intended victims, but these programs can rack up significant long distance phone charges, costing victims time and money.
    Users of Broadband services are immune to this threat as long as they do not have an active backup DUN account and/or connected through a phone modem.
    -------------------------------------------------
    So be sure to unplug your dialup connection, and plug it only when you need to use it in case of "emergency"

    Hope this helps
     
    #14     May 9, 2004
  5. So what is the solution? For the last 48 hours now, my internet explorer shuts down anytime I try to send emails, add attachments, etc, and so on.

    I have reinstalled, run norton, defrag, adaware, spybot, etc. Am going to reformat this weekend if I can't figure it out soon.

    :confused:
     
    #15     May 12, 2004
  6. i gave up myself, will reformat soon. for now i am using firefox as my browser.
     
    #16     May 12, 2004
  7. FWIW I had the same problem but only when visiting certain sites. IE would shut down and leave a Java error shortcut on the desktop which said basically there was a fatal exception in the Java virtual machine.

    I tried MyIE2 and disabled Java apps and now the problem's gone.
     
    #17     May 12, 2004
  8. Since IE is so full of holes and prone to security hacks you might want to reformat for peace of mind. You could have trojans or key stroke loggers installed via your IE.

    Before your reformatted computer "sees" the internet or your network, be sure to install and enable Zonealarm, Ad-ware, AVG virus protection, and the Firefox browser from a backup CD-Rom (not the internet using IE again!).

    Use Firefox as your default browser from that day forward and eliminate the IE icon from your desktop and start folder like I did.

    Now that I have done all of the above, my daily Ad-aware and AVG scans ALWAYS come up clean. Not a since data miner or worse found since the day I quit using IE.

    Good luck...
     
    #18     May 12, 2004
  9. FWIW, I just tried the restore systems setting thing (hitting F8 during the boot), that didnt' help.

    I then ran norton again, and basically did everthing I did yesterday AGAIN, then I downloaded foxfire and was finally able to send my first email with an attachment in the last two days.

    :D

    If anyone finds a perm solution please post, for now I guess I'm using this foxfire browser for a while.
     
    #19     May 12, 2004
  10. firefox is decent but it has it's limitations. i am still going to reformat......maybe get a router for the future.
     
    #20     May 12, 2004