unwanted downloads

[Computer]

I was online and a pornographic popup appeared and began dling something onto my computer. I clicked cancel as quick as i could but when i restared my computer, a program called powerscan appeared which claims to remove all adult content from your computer. I disabled it from the starup but I know it is still there somewhere. Also when I open internet explorer, there is a tool bar called "IST bar" It appears to have links to pornographic material. THis can also be "Hidden" just by removing the bar but I know it is still there. What can I do to get rid of these unwanted downloads?

[Martoch]

The first thing I would do is run a full scan with AD-AWARE.

With its ability to comprehensively scan your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known datamining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components, Ad-aware will provide the user with the confidence to surf the Internet knowing that their privacy will remain intact. Let Ad-aware protect your privacy.

[DanGrease]

As Martoch said this is probably some crappy spyware, so I would get bot Ad-Aware and Spybot-Search and Destroy. Most would get away but maybe somethings you will have to wait until they are discovered and updates available for the programs, since many are unknown. Good Luck

dan

[Computer]

Well I located the files on my HD and deleted them. I think i successfully deleted the power scan thing. but When you try and delete the IST bar it wont let you since recycling bin is an explorer window it says the program is running. I deleted the second IST file and now when I make the IST bar visible nothing happens which is good but the fact that it's even there still disturbs me. I just ran adaware and I found A few thing and I deleted them. I am currently running Norton antivirus to see if that shows up anything. The fact that the IST bar is still visible leaves me to believe that some trace of it is still on my system. Any other advice?

Thanks

[DanGrease]

Well, most spyware is almost impossible to delete manually, have you tried the programs we adviced you? I am very sure it will delete most stuff and even if you think you deleted everything manually because you cant see anything left, there is always stuff that you cant see that remains, so yes, Anti-Spyware programs should help you.

dan

[Uncle Bob]

Sounds like you need to run Spy-Bot search&destroy, then Ad-ware. Then invest in a good firewall.

[Kuasimodem]

You might also want to check out Spyware Blaster! from JavaCool Software.

By setting a "kill bit" for spyware ActiveX controls, SpywareBlaster can prevent the installation of any spyware ActiveX controls from a webpage. It does this while not interfering with "friendly" ActiveX controls - so your browser can work correctly and you can have peace of mind!

You won't get any more annoying "Yes/No" boxes popped up, asking you to install a spyware ActiveX control (which can increasingly be found in pop-up ads!). In fact, Internet Explorer will never even download or run the spyware ActiveX control!

In addition, SpywareBlaster can prevent many of these spyware ActiveX controls from running, even if they are already installed on your system.

The newest SpywareBlaster version can even block spyware/tracking cookies!
And SpywareBlaster does not need to be running in the background to provide this protection!

[Foggy]

You can also do a reg. search for the IST thing and delete it. :=)

[DanGrease]

Kuasimodem, Im gonna try that program out, seems cool
Foggy, Hey! We both have our own Hägar Beasts!

dan