Accessing certain websites kept me redirected to Linkbucks and adfly. When I tried to skip, they redirect to some random website (often google). Help?
Every time i opened several websites, typically ones that doesn't end with .com or .org, i get redirected to either linkbucks or adfly. When i tried to skip, it redirected me to some random website, typically Google. I was told this is a browser hijacker. A virus.
But i scanned, i used Spyhunter, AVG, and Avast! All three came up clean. And still getting redirected. So I uninstalled Firefox, uninstalled every add on, every Mozilla related data. Then start anew, clean and fresh, no addon whatsoever.
Barely a week, and already it start showing symptoms of redirecting me again to adfly and linkbucks. Can somebody help me please?
All Replies (2)
You got trojan and no anti-malware program is 100% Use hitman pro first. It is an multi-engine scanner and might pick trojans other missed. Another possible way is to do system restore long time back.
Hello,
I think you are right that this could be an issue caused by a virus / malware. What is likely happening is that the malware is still on your computer so every time you reinstall Firefox it works for a bit until the malware hijacks the browser again and changes the settings.
I suggest looking through your list of installed windows programs and trying to see if you can spot the one causing the problem. Then manually uninstall it. The program will be unfamiliar to you (because you didn't install it). It may be called 'Protector' or something similar.
You should also check the list of startup programs and make sure that any you don't want starting up on boot are disabled. More than likely the malware that is causing the problem will be listed in the startup programs.
I recommend then trying these free programs to scan for any remaining malware. These will work with your existing antivirus software:
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
- MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
- TDSSKiller - AntiRootkit Utility
- Hitman Pro
- ESET Online Scanner
I've had particular success with Malwarebytes and HitManPro.
If after all of this you still have the problem then I suggest booting your PC into Safe Mode and repeating the virus scans. Some viruses are easier to detect / remove when the PC is in safe mode.
I also found this link which has specific instructions on removing the linkbucks virus: http://fixingcomputervirus.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/remove-linkbuckscom-easily-link-buck.html
I am not a security expert but I believe that link to be reputable. Ensure that you also believe it to be reputable before following instructions you find there.
Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article and Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page
I hope this helps. Let me know if not.