Ok, So I am having some major computer troubles. It seems that my computer has a few viruses and something called Malware. First, when I open Widows, it gives me some type of Rundll error with the words "WildTangent" in the message. Then when I open up internet explorer, it say "about:blank" in the address bar. The page is some type of search engine with different words already typed in the search bar. One time it will say "Cialis" and the next time it say "stock market" or something. I try to change my homepage under internet option, but it always goes back to this page. I also get a bunch of pop up windows that are disguising themselves as Microsoft Internet Security help. It says click here to remove viruses or Spyware and when u click it takes u to a page where they want u to spend $20 for the internet security program. It disguises itself as a Microsoft product so u think it is legit. Also, my AOL Instant Messenger seems to have been hijacked. If I try to send someone a message, it says that a problem has occured and AIM must close. There are like 3 AIM icons in the toolbar and when u try to click on one, they disappear. I have had viruses before and I was always able to restore my computer to an earlier date and that fixed the problem. But now i try to do that and it always says the computer cannot be restored to that date.

So what does this have to do with porn? Well a family friend runs the tech department at a large corporation. I told him about my problems and he told everyone, including my girlfriend, that I am looking at too much porn and thats why I have the viruses. I diont thuink I am looking at "too much" porn, but I have tried to download some things from Limewire and I have looked at some other sites porn. Anyway, this guy says he will be able to fix it, but now I dont want to give him my computer because I am afraid he will be able to see every porn site that I have ever looked at. Now I dont look at anything illegal, but I have looked at some pretty freaky stuff and I dont really want this guy to see all that. I have heard that if somebody knows how to, they can look through your computer and see everything that has ever been done. Is this true? So what should I do? Does anybody know how to remove this crap? I already rtried some spyware removal programs and I am always getting these errors when It tries to remove the viruse. So can anybody help a fellow 8 owner. It would be greatly appreciated.

Ok, go to www.PCworld.com and then click downloads, download ADAWARE and CWSHredder, also try spybot, run a scan with all of these and report back.

Also, this prob may or not be because of porn, its hard to say... most websites that have many pop ups shouldnt be visited. When i had similar computer problems it was from a website to look up song lyrics.

Cool, Thanks. i'm at work now so I wonrt be able to dowload those until I get home. I already tried Spybot and it didnt work.

ADAWARE usually picks up a ton of results, also try to "add and remove programs" most things that have the word tool bar, or search should be removed, if u are unsure of something google the word and check the results.

You should also download firefox, its a web browser like internet explorer only alot safer. go to firefox.com or mozilla.com and download it for free.

Yea I tried to remove a few things that seemto be the problem, but it wont remove them. It says it cant open the file. So does anybody know what this guy will be able to see if I bring him my computer. Will he be able to look at my complete internet history?

Someone recently mentioned going through this and all the usual removal programs not working (but could ID the culprit). She went to www.pchell.com and found a solution there. I've pulled up the page and it looks like a legit problem solving site.
http://www.pchell.com/support/aboutblank.shtml

Good luck. Somebody needs to crack down on these a**holes who write this crap Let us know if you figure out where you got it.

firefox is nice, though as time goes on they to are being hit by the spyware. They were safe before mostly cause not that many people used them thus why make software to attack it.


You should be able to get rid of most the spyware with adware and search N Destory. That and Bazooka scanner is good. That one doesn't remove it, however it will find it and tell you how to manual get rid of it.

Dump the Limewire and other P2P download clients, they can be a big source of infections. But looking at sites such as porn you will get spyware, there is little avoiding it. But with those tools you should be able to keep it under control.

Don't take it or pay someone to try and fix these issues as it is easily fix by yourself and a few helpful programs and sites.

And switch to Firefox. I've had zero adware/spyware problems since I made the switch. Not to mention zero browser crashes.

Thanks guys, good stuff. I will try these solutions tomorrow when I get home from work and report back.As far as Limwire goes, I think I'd rather deal with these viruses than actually pay for music. And these people who create this crap need to be put in jail. It is a real pain in the ass.

Based on your “friend” telling everone he felt you were looking at to much porn I would never give him your computer to look at. Is there any specific reason you cannot format your hard drive and re-install? On the subject of porn, I work for an Internet porn company and have to look at it as part of my job. You’re at a bigger risk of messing up your PC with peer to peer downloads and other “FREE” software. So the things I do at work to keep the PC “clean” is no Microsoft Ie, no kaza, napster or other “freeware” that I am not 100% sure will not add any other software. I also read the terms & agreements of things I install. Once you have a clean PC I like using SpyBot search & destroy along with its “ tea timer” add on.

If I reformat the hard drive and reinstall, won't I lose all of the programs and files that i have stored on there?

If I reformat the hard drive and reinstall, won't I lose all of the programs and files that i have stored on there?

You will if you don't back them up. I have 3 hard drives, and I have copies of all of my programs and important files saved on one of them. Windows XP is really easy to format and reload, because most of the drivers for hardware are automatically loaded. I use SpyBot and Norton AntiVirus, and I make regular restore points since you never know how your PC will be affected after installing a new piece of hardware or program.

Just stop looking at the boobies.

See if your anti-virus software comes with a "rescue" disk, i.e., a bootable disk that is known to be clean. Boot with that and run the virus check. Once the viruses are taken care of, you can move on the the malware.

The security holes in IE and ActiveX have allowed malware to install a bunch of crap that is hijacking your IE browser. Ad-aware and spybot search and destroy are your tools of choice here. Look at the log file from Ad-aware as it will tell you what processes are running, that is, what executable file is running. Sometimes the spyware processes are obvious, sometimes not. Search your hard drive for the name of the executable file (*.exe, *.dll, etc). That can help identify the malware program files. There is another way to find what programs launch when Windows starts using the registry editor but use that as a last resort because if you mess up the registry you'll have to reinstall Windows.

And seriously consider dumping IE for Firefox. Once you experience the security, pop-up blocking, tabbed browsing capabilities of Firefox, you'll never go back to IE.

Firefox is the way to go. Unfortunately it causes occasional problems at certain websites where the site will show up but not completely work.

No one seemes to have answered this question.. but Yes a person knowing what to do can see what you have been doing and where you've gone via your web browser. Given access to your HD and a little time, even deleting your history and your temp files would not protect you.

I wouldn't be worried about it much though, unless you're looking at porn on company equip, or looking at illegal porn and are afraid of federal prosecution.

HAA we should start a thread on what the weirdest crap you seen online

I got WildTangent also. 3 months later by computer shot craps and not only did I lose everything on it, but when I tried to sign in, I got nothing but an olive drab colored screen. I ended up taking it to Best Buy and the Geek Squad had to clean the hard drive and had to reinstall everything.

Also, I use Spybot Search and Destroy for my spyware.. it's great. If there are files that are running you can set it to scan on reboot before those files are loaded into memory.

If you go to www.trendmicro.com they have a beta version of thier hosecall which is a free virus scanner that also does spyware and whatnot. It's an active X so there's not much to D/L or update

WildTangent used to be benign. It was put on your computer after you downloaded visualizations for Real & WinMedia Players. I haven’t heard of WildTangent shredding a machine before.
PC World just did a test on antispyware programs and CounterSpy and Microsoft Antispyware came out on top. The MS product is beta and free.

Ok, I am the one who used PCHell. I spent all day Saturday getting rid of this little bugger. It is actually caused by a spyware program called "coolwebsearch" or something of that nature. Mozilla will not help (I gave up on using internet explorer and downloaded Mozilla because of the constant pop-ups). I used Mozilla for awhile with no problems and no pop-ups until it gets to your actual computer desktop and starts popping up a windows screen that tells you that you have spyware. Looks legit...is not. I will include my post on another website on here, but get ready because it is long. It includes all the detailed instructions of what I had to do, but the guy who gave you the advice to go to the PCHell link was right. He GAVE you the fix so you really don't have to look any further. Note, this is not an easy spyware to get rid of and you need to know your computer REALLY well to even attempt it. Also, follow the directions on PCHell to the letter. Good luck. Here is my post from the other website.


Ok, just in case you guys have this problem also...I figure you don't want to spend a whole day dealing with it like I did.


My computer has decided to freak out for the last week or so. It keeps changing my internet explorer homepage to some random "search engine" page that comes up as "about:blank" in the text box when I go to change it back. This along with random pop-ups for spyware blockers and prescription websites, etc. I tried to bypass this by downloading Mozilla and using that as my internet browser, but apparently this particular spyware doesn't give up with just internet explorer and proceeds to the desktop for pop-ups that tell me that I have spware and then gives me the links to go buy spyware that will get rid of it. So...I download every free version of spyware killer that I can get along with what I already have (ad-aware, yahoo sypware, microsoft spyware, and good old Norton Anitivirus). I run all of these and all four pick up the same spyware.

Ok, so here is the fun part. I use the "delete" tool on all of these and double check to make sure it is gone (which it is) then reboot my computer. The computer reboots...same problem and same spyware comes up again when scanned. I even try all of this in "safe mode" with system restore turned off to no avail. So then I take to clicking the link in the anti-spyware software to tell me about what I am dealing with. All four say that they don't really have a fix for this particular spyware.

Well, isn't that just peachy (and people pay big bucks for some of this stuff!!)? So, this next part made me laugh just because of where I was taken. I type "homepage changing to about:blank" in the google search box and the first link I click on is to a website called "PC hell." I figured that was quite fitting by this point in my frustration. I found that they actually had a fix for this particular problem, but it involved extensive knowledge of computers and very careful following of detailed instructions. So, I chanced it. It took me about an hour to completely read and follow their instructions, but once I was done, their scan showed it to be gone. So I rebooted and ran all four scans again. Again, all four picked up the same spyware. Well, by this time I was pulling my hair out, but figured I would try to believe these guys at "PC hell" and follow their complete instructions to the letter. I deleted it again from every scan, rebooted my computer and ran them all again.

Finally, something like 8 hours later, my computer appears to be free and clear of spyware. So, since I had such a "fun" day getting rid of this, I figured I might save you the trouble by giving you the shortened path and telling you to go directly to "PC hell!!!!"

Just an FYI...I did not get this spyware from looking at porn websites.

Ok, thanks everybody for the help. I tried Ad-aware with no success. It removed a bunch of things, but I stilll get the about:blank homepage. Then I went to PCHell and tried to follow the directions for removing both WildTangent and the "cooolwebsearch." I tried all the things they say for WildTangent, but nothing has worked. Then i tried to follow the steps to remove the coolwebsearch and I'm stuck on step 1. I downloaded registar lite and ran the program. But I cant find thee applitdll numbers that I am supposed to be loookling for, They just arent there. And I cant even understand what they are telling me to do anyway. It is all written in computer lingo with no real directions. I'm about to just take it to Best Buy or something. This is ridiculous

A bit more information and we may be able to help. What version of Windows are you running? Please tell us which web page contain the directions you're trying to follow. Is it http://www.pchell.com/support/aboutblank.shtml ? Do you understand how to navigate through the registry to find the entry they talk about? We can translate the computer lingo to english and explain the instructions if you give us more details.

I am running Windows XP on a Sony PCGK15 with a wireless cable internet connection. Yes that is the page I was on. I was able to navigate through the registry, but there is no key for Applnit_DLLs. So at that point I stopped. Any suggestions?

you guys - the BEST solution to all this... and i mean the BEST -- while looking at porn in the highest quality...

you guys ready..?


GO WITH an APPLE!! A power book is nice...

APPLE/MAC have no viruses, virtually, NO POPUPS, No spyware, None of that gay porn bs that wants to eat ur comp alive....

i have a powerbook and it is sooo damn nice... plus, the screen is a lot clearer and sharper than the regular laptop screens, etc.

I love apple. and OSX because i'm a unix guy..

BUT. I cannot see spending 5 - 6k on a consumable item that will mostl likely be damaged or out of date in 2 years, at which time i'd just toss.

you guys - the BEST solution to all this... and i mean the BEST -- while looking at porn in the highest quality...

you guys ready..?


GO WITH an APPLE!! A power book is nice...

APPLE/MAC have no viruses, virtually, NO POPUPS, No spyware, None of that gay porn bs that wants to eat ur comp alive....

i have a powerbook and it is sooo damn nice... plus, the screen is a lot clearer and sharper than the regular laptop screens, etc.

I am running Windows XP on a Sony PCGK15 with a wireless cable internet connection. Yes that is the page I was on. I was able to navigate through the registry, but there is no key for Applnit_DLLs. So at that point I stopped. Any suggestions?

your .dll file will not necessarily be named the same as the one that they list. for instance, mine was hratv.dll. Look for a file that does not fit or is just a bunch of letters. The other .dll files will match up with programs that you have like media player, etc. In that first step you are just looking for it. If you are reading the same instructions that I was, you are not to delete it quite yet, you just want to find it so you will know how to get rid of it in a later step. Sorry, I told you the instructions were a bit in depth and hard to understand. :(

What the heck is a wireless cable? :D

I am running Windows XP on a Sony PCGK15 with a wireless cable internet connection. Yes that is the page I was on. I was able to navigate through the registry, but there is no key for Applnit_DLLs. So at that point I stopped. Any suggestions?

APPLE/MAC have no viruses, virtually, NO POPUPS, No spyware, None of that gay porn bs that wants to eat ur comp alive....Yeah you got some spyware so throw out your PC and spend 2K on a Mac. :rolleyes:

Mac is not immune to viruses, its just not worth writing a virus for Mac since most people and businesses run windows. If everyone switches to Mac you'll start seeing a lot more viruses pop up. Kind of like FireFox, its great now but since everyone is starting to migrate to it, spyware and virus writers will start working on finding weaknesses in it and we'll have to move to a different web browser.

Hell I'm tempted to write a Mac virus just to stop all this Macs are better because they don't get viruses crap.

To the OP, I had the same spyware as you and as much as I tried I coudln't get rid of the damn things. I ended up reformatting my hard drive and reinstalling windows just to be completley sure it was gone. This was also what prompted me to drop IE and move to FireFox. Since then I have had no problems though I expect that FireFox vunerabilities will start showing up soon.

This virus did some damage that I don't think can be safely cleaned without reinstalling, it screwed with my registry and I believe replaced the explorer shell in windows as I started getting popups when I did anything. I'd open the control panel and get a popup and 5 new system tray icons would appear. Best thing to do is just start from a fresh copy of windows.

I got the about:blank problem 2 weeks ago. It's a huge browser hijack problem and not porn-related. I had to reformat and lost everything like 4 of my friends did. Even registry cleaners wouldnt auto-detect it. If I knew there was a cure from PCHell I would have tried it, but couldn't get on-line to find it. :( The "coolwebsearch" hijack seemed to have hit 3-4 weeks ago. It can install just from a java pop-up, no clicking necessary.

WildTangent is included with AIM if you want to play on-line games like pool, chess, etc.

802.1a,b or g to the desktop, cablemodem for Internet.

What the heck is a wireless cable? :D

CWShredder from PCWORLD.com will remove all "coolwebsearch" files..... CWS=COOLWEBSEARCH!

About a month and a half ago, one of my clients was infected with coolwebsearch. After spending about 12 hrs. trying to clean it up, I gave up. I even tried to slave the hard drive on a clean system and clean it without success. I backed up his data files, formated the hard drive and reimaged. I didn't have access to CWShredder, CounterSpy or MS antispy at the time. My tools, that didn't work were AdAware and Spybot.
WildTangent is minor adware. It can be removed in Control Panels\Add Remove Programs. It's nomore of a problem than Weatherbug.

Ok everything seems to be running smoothly now. I think it was that CWShredder that did the trick. Although the first time it ran I think it said it did not detect any "coolwebsearch." Anyway, I woke up today and everything is fine, so I don't know. I should have listened to Audioslave the first time he mentioned it. Thanks for the help anyone.