... Adware/Malware. I believe it is coming from some of the Google extensions and also from Vaudix movie player and/or DivX movie player. I had all of my Google extensions removed and both movie players removed, then I regedited old stuff in my vista by right click delete and delete all lines and keys that relate to that deletion, (be sure not to delete the custom category in regedit. I just started deleting lines and keys from the last line to the custom category, if that makes sense. I didn't have a problem again until I had to uninstall and re-download both Vaudix and DivX. Now, I may have to go through the same process again. Also, check the options tab in your Google extensions to see if you have anything else checked that you are not sure of. Hope this helps some of you. I have not had to re-install my Vista disc. The world could be a better place
Responses (1)
For some reason, video players are riddled with adware/malware. I have two solutions. Where I'm not sure about an application, I install it into a virtual machine. I keep a fresh installation of 98 / XP / Vista and 7 in VM format (which are backed up). If programs I install into them look like they have malware, I delete the VM and copy in a fresh one from a backup. All in all, it takes about 30 seconds.
Also, I have imaged the system disk of my desktop and laptop (a fresh installation of Windows 7, fully patched, and with all applications installed). If something which looked safe turns out not to be (or just messes up my drivers, registry, etc.) I've found it's easier to just re-image my computers rather than attempt to diagnose and fix.