Search Project: Malware?

[Frank1]

This morning I noticed a lot of pop-up ads whenever I opened internet explorer. They were the kinds of pop up that couldn't be closed unless you closed the complete window. I then realized that I must have some sort of malware installed. So I went into Control Panel/Uninstall a program. I saw one called "Search Project by Conduit." So I removed it. I have no idea how it got installed. I do realize that when a person downloads freeware that a lot of stuff comes ridding piggy-back with it. I am therefore very careful when I install anything like that to make sure I get only what I want. So I'm wondering how I got it. Maybe I wasn't careful enough and it got installed. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks--Frank

 

[ThrashZone]

You might post what Security suites you have installed and possibly reconsider the present ones or adding to it depending on what it is ?
Third party toolbars and other Browsers might even load these types of rogue search engines,
Good security combination,
http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/206705-good-free-system-security-combination.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/system-security/297196-top-av-program-use-here-seven.html

P.S. you might even verify this uninstall process,
http://malwaretips.com/blogs/conduit-search-removal/

 

[cottonball]

Frank1,

Also, let's try the following...

:info: Download AdwCleaner:


http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/

• Save the program to the Desktop
• Close all open programs and internet browsers.
• Right-click on adwcleaner.exe and select: Run As Administrator
• At the program console, click on: Delete
• When the program is done, the computer is rebooted automatically, and a text file opens after the restart.

:ar: Please post the AdwCleaner report in your reply.



:info: Also use the Junkware Removal Tool Download
Save to the Desktop.

Make sure you temporarily disable your AntiVirus, Firewall, and any other AntiSpyware applications.
These programs may interfere with the running of JRT.
Info: How To Temporarily Disable Your Anti-virus, Firewall And Anti-malware Programs - Security Mini-Guides

Right-click JRT.exe and select: Run as Administrator
The tool opens and starts scanning the system. Please be patient as this can take a while...

When done, a report, JRT.txt is saved on the Desktop.

:ar: Please post the contents of JRT.txt in your reply.

 

[Frank1]

My OS is Windows 8 64 bit and for security I have the Free Malware Bytes and Windows Defender. I don't have any additional tool bars added that I am aware of. I will take a look at that which both of you sent. I've got to say that since I removed Conduit, I've had no more of the pop ups. Thanks to both of you for the info.