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Tips
For Computer Related Problem |
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The
WinFixer popup is a frustrating problem that will present frequent
popup windows. This can occur even when your Web browser is not
running. In some cases it will continually pop up each time you
visit a new Web site and since the program can load with Windows
it means that standard popup blockers are generally ineffective.
Needless to say, it can be extremely annoying.
Your
first step is to identify that WinFixer is the problem. Generally,
the popups will make this clear because they will display WinFixer
in the window or title bar (the strip across the top of a Window).
You will also get fake error messages saying that there is a problem
with your computer and you should install WinFixer to correct the
problem - this will then tell you to pay for the full version of
WinFixer.
In
a few instances, you may be able to remove the program via Windows
Add/Remove Programs (go to the Windows Control Panel and click Add/Remove
Programs. Look for WinFixer in the list - it is generally towards
the end). If you are one of the lucky ones, remove the program,
restart your computer and your system should be clear. Be aware
however, that WinFixer may have been installed by some other adware
program on your computer, so it is possible that it may return.
If this happens, follow the steps listed under 'Avoiding WinFixer
in the future'. Another particularly annoying aspect is that sometime
the program keeps re-installing itself - this will require a bit
more work.
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If
Add/Remove Programs wasn't successful in the removal of the WinFixer popup,
it is time to clean up your system and use a specially designed spyware
removal tool. Step one is to flush out all the temp files on your system:
Cookies, Temporary Internet Files and Temp files (you can do this via
Internet Explorer's Tools-Internet Options or for a more thorough clean,
use a privacy tool such as Tracks Eraser Pro 5). There are numerous reports
that WinFixer is becoming more devious, so if your removal was successful,
make sure you take some preventative measures to stop its return:
Avoiding
WinFixer in the future
Keep your system fully patched - including Windows, anti-virus software
and anti-spyware tools.
WinFixer is included in many 'free programs' or modified versions of free
programs downloaded from untrusted sites or file sharing networks. There
have been reports that some installations of Limewire and a modified but
unauthorised release of Internet Explorer 7 Beta have had WinFixer inserted.
As a general rile. during the installation of free software, take a moment
or two to see if they mention other bundled programs.
Most quality free programs do not have a budget to advertise, so beware
of ads that offer something for free. Normally they include some kind
of adware/spyware.
Finally, consider adding an anti-adware tool to work next to your anti-virus
software.
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