Pop up ads....

[Quicksand]

Hi guys.. I've got a weird problem as of today.. After I log into SOH, and go to a forum thread, I am seeing some of the words highlighted and when I mouse over them, a pop-up window appears with assorted ads... I'm runnung IE7.... I ran Crap Cleaner, but still the same result.. Anyone else see this?

[Ickie]

ok read this

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&gs_nf=1...or.r_qf.&cad=b
removal
http://www.4networking.biz/Forum/ViewTopic/114945
or go here
http://www.f-secure.com/en/web/labs_.../removal-tools

it is very likely some form of ADware, tricky stuff sometimes, it is most likely a browser helper object that inserts links on key words most insert a double underscore under the keyword and when you click on it you will be directed to the site that wants traffic or to scam you somehow. Try running Malwarebytes (you can get it here - http://www.malwarebytes.org/ and there is a free version that works well).

[Quicksand]

I killed it Ickie!:tgun2: It was something called "Startnow Toolbar..." I have no idea where it came from but it is dead. Thanks for your help with this. I owe you a rather large beer, brand of your choice...:mixedsmi::salute:

[Ickie]

I am making this a stickie for further use by others

[Quicksand]

Great idea. It might save someone else alot of headache... Your links took me right to where the info and tools were. I thank you again..

[srgalahad]

Word to the wise:
A lot of tools and add-ons that feature "updates" have a nice little feature with the update screen. They invite you to also install "XXXX Toolbar". However the default is "yes" so if you just hit Install and don't read the rest of the screen, or let it run on automatic you WILL get one ( or more, possibly conflicting) toolbar you don't need or want - with the above sort of result.

READ before pressing ENTER!

[Quicksand]

And I am quite sure that is exactly what happened, srgalahad... I am all the wiser now...

[aeromed202]

For those using Chrome, culprits often take up residence in the Settings-Extensions area. There, when enabled, they can cause mouse-over popups and other pesky things. Usually you can just delete them from that screen, but sometimes they must be removed using something like Revo Uninstaller. Other browsers have similar places to edit addons.