Words That Are Links

[Jeffb]

Ok, I know there are a lot of very savy computer people on this site. I need your help. Certain words throughout the VT forum (happens on other sites also) are links to other sites (Usually advertisements). I know this isnt a VT issue rather an issue with my comp. An example is "e-cigarette" always comes up as a link, and when I put my mouse over a little box pops up (usually its "Gamevance") and it will be a link to a stop smoking site. The word photographer will link me to a photography school. How do I get this annoying feature off my computer?

[GDub]

Ok, I know there are a lot of very savy computer people on this site. I need your help. Certain words throughout the VT forum (happens on other sites also) are links to other sites (Usually advertisements). I know this isnt a VT issue rather an issue with my comp. An example is "e-cigarette" always comes up as a link, and when I put my mouse over a little box pops up (usually its "Gamevance") and it will be a link to a stop smoking site. The word photographer will link me to a photography school. How do I get this annoying feature off my computer?

I have a few questions before I can really look into this for you-

What OS? (please be specific)

What browser are you using?

Do you have toolbar add-ons, extensions, etc?

[FTJoe]

I assume this is a windows machine? Looks like one of my fav programs will get rid of it for you, Malwarebytes. My favs are explained here:

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407

Get to the section at the bottom where you pick your operating system. I would install and run malwarebtes and superantispyware. Don't run any others (especially combofix) unless you do a backup. If you can, I would do a backup anyway, at least create a system restore point. Also, If you install SAS, I think it runs on windows startup by default, uncheck that option on the main preferences screen.

Ccleaner is a great tool as well.

I also usually install and run spybot search and destroy on problem machines or to just keep them healthy.

http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html

Edited January 24, 2010 by FTJoe

[Jeffb]

Thanks guys!!! It was easier than I thought. I just went into "Add/Remove Programs" and deleted "Gamevance". I rebooted and everything seems back to normal. My kids used to use this computer also, so I bought them their own to mess up.

[mcquinn]

Just the same I would go to the pulldown tools menu and select internet options and then got to the advanced tab and poke the restore advanced settings.This will get rid of any settings that may have been changed by some malware .Google and Yahoo are really bad about tricking you into installing thier toolbars .

[FTJoe]

Thanks guys!!! It was easier than I thought. I just went into "Add/Remove Programs" and deleted "Gamevance". I rebooted and everything seems back to normal. My kids used to use this computer also, so I bought them their own to mess up.

Good luck. Seems to be the method chosen most times but it appears some people have pop issues afterwards.

Edited January 24, 2010 by FTJoe