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Thread ID: 16042	2002-02-25 01:40:00	MSN hackers?!	Guest (0)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
36931	2002-02-25 01:40:00	I went to register for an MSN hotmail account this morning. I filled in the 'registration' form and hit the 'register now' link. It was taking a long time and I was more or less gazing into space when a new icon appearing on my toolbar caught my eye. I right clicked to bring up properties and confirmed that the 'file' (comet cursor) had just been created and downloaded - I was somewhat shocked by this (I keep my internet security settings on high and have to individually accept even cookies) and minimised my window to go and investigate. Even more shock comet cursor was not the only software to download without authorisation or warning - Bonzi buddy had also appeared and a quick check of the properties confirmed it had just been created as well. A phone call to Microsoft in New Zealand was unhelpful 'we are microsoft software, its microsoft network you have a problem with - there is a toll number in Australia you can call!!!!!!!' Am I wrong, or is installing software onto someones hardrive without their permission or even their knowing untill the software is there, computer hacking? How do I clean my system out, I notice that there are other files associated with these two unwanted softwares (when I click on bonzi buddy I get a list of 'programs' and a request to choose a program from the list to run bonzi buddy - one of the programs on the list is also new [ and I believe down loaded with the unwanted software - how much more of these unwanted associated files will there be on my system - how do identify them and how can I prevent supposedly reputable websites from 'hacking' my computer system???????? My computer is now very very slow since these two programs downloaded. ps now the bonzi buddy is forcably installing itself - I simply cant stop it I press cancel but it has taken over the 'installation wizard' and its installed itself. What can I do?	Guest (0)
36932	2002-02-25 02:27:00	Its called spyware and its probably not MS that installed it, it looks like them because becomes active when your online. The only MS product I know of that has spyware is Close Combat: A bridge too far (Unless you cound Windows XP :-). Although because of the high number of security holes in IE, its possible there is one that would allow mallicious website to install them (I would reccomend visiting Windows Update regularly or ditching IE). Spyware is usually installed with another unrelated application, eg Kazza. Technically you allowed them to install it, it was hidden the the licence agreement no one reads. It would probably be illegal if an individual created these programs, but they are created by companies so they can call it a business model or some other BS. To remove them download Adaware from www.lavasoft.de and let it clean your system.	Guest (0)
36933	2002-02-25 03:07:00	Comet might be in your Add/Remove, have a look there but even after it has been removed, it leaves a comet dll file behind, do a search for comet after the uninstall and locate the dll file if it is still there, rather than just delete it, rename it first to something like comet2.dll and keep it for a while to make sure there are no problems. www.pchell.com The above link will give you the instrucions for removing Bonzi Hell	Guest (0)
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