JUST HAD BROADBAND

[melody2002]

Have just had broadband installed, and installed Zonealarm firewall (as recommended by provider) However, when I re-booted computer, several folders attached themselves to my 'favourites' dropdown menu. Although I deleted them, everytime I go on the net, they re-appear. Does anyone know how to remove this so they permanantly stay off my computer?

[HGKinsey]

I have had exactly the same problem.This thing which adds to your favourites menu is quite high risk, it's called a highjacker virus. If you click on any of the ads or things which come up you can actually be connecting to a premium rate phone number which will drive up your phone bill. You may also find that you get a new menu bar - don't click on it. I have just sorted it out after taking advice from the person who sold me my computer. You need to download a program (it's free). Go to www.download.com Type Ad-aware into the search box,scroll down and you will find it. It has really worked for me and has stopped all those annoying advertisements from popping up.Best of luck.

[HGKinsey]

One more thing! For some reason, virus protector programs do not stop these kind of things coming through, so even though you have a firewall, you also need the kind of program I have mentioned before. So don't think you were given bad advice. Don't you just hate the EVIL people who love to trash computers by doing these things?

[dodgyshirt]

Also try Spybot also available from download.com because although Adaware is an excellent programme it doesn`t catch everything. Running both programmes will remove the majority of malware/adware/spyware. I use thse plus A-Squared from emisoft.com which is aimed specifically at Trojans & malware.

[dodgyshirt]

P.S. Don`t blame ZoneAlarm for your problems, a firewall is an absolute necessity and that is one of the best. Also if you want a very good FREE anti-virus programme try Avast from avast.com

[melody2002]

Thanks very much to you both for your answers

[melody2002]

Just a quick note - I tried ad-aware and that still allowed the items to store on my favourites - spybot got rid of them. Zonealarm is still responding the same with spybot so this appears to be the best package for my computer anyway. Thanks again to all whom gave their time to reply. All the best