names in green highlighting on certain sites

[dinkie]

For the last few weeks there has suddenly appeared green highlighting on names etc on a few of the websites I use, including this one.  How can I get rid of them.  Thank you.Edna

[soybean]

Please elaborate on this highlighting.  For example, when viewing this forum, are the names of forum members highlighted?  Or, does the highlighting go beyond  names of forum members?  Does this happen as soon as you open the forum in your browser?  Does it happen regardless of whether you are signed in or not? 

What protection apps (anti-virus, anti-spyware) do you have installed?

[dinkie]

Thank you for your reply, soybean.  I run Norton anti virus protection.  Just prior to writing I ran ccleaner, but that has not made any difference.  On computer hope website no members names.  Home page highlight are Microsoft windows/  windows command prompt/ video cards/ spywear etc.  On my music site, some members names are highlighted.  it happens as soon as I open up.  I am always signed in on both sites.  I hope I have answered all your queries, thank you for taking the trouble to help me out.  Edna
PS on your reply, your name was
highlighted , also protection/ virus /spyware.

[soybean]

I don't have an answer on this at this time.  Let's see what other members have to say.

In the meantime, some additional info might be helpful.  What version of Windows and what web browser are you using?  Did you install or update or change settings in any software, or make any other changes to your computer, just before this problem started?

Do you know how to capture an image of your computer screen and post it here in the forum?  If so, a picture showing the highlighting you see would be helpful.

[dinkie]

I am on windows 64 bit - I hope that is the right answer!  I use internet explorer.  I cannot recall installing anything recently. I have copied the page from this site onto 'my pictures'. I am now going to attempt to insert it into this reply.  Thanks, Edna

[recovering disk space, attachment deleted by admin]

[dinkie]

You have just given me food for thought. I have just logged on to firefox, onto my music site, and guess what - no highlighting.......... so I am now going to try and test the other sites, it will take some time, as they are all on my favourite on IE.  Thanks again, Edna
PS even sites that I don't need to log on such as 'sporting life' I was still having lots of highlighting there.

[patio]

Sounds like someone enabled a "Theme" on IE...

Or changed a setting for how links show.
Actually could be a Windows theme...which would carryover into IE ...but not Firefox.

[Calum]

Looks like adware, seen this quite a few times before.  Either that, or advertising on the sites, but I've never seen that here specifically so I suspect adware.

[soybean]

Looks like adware, seen this quite a few times before.  Either that, or advertising on the sites, but I've never seen that here specifically so I suspect adware.

Agree.  If it were a Windows Theme, it would be consistent and her image does not show consistency.  In other words, only a few words under the section title appear in green font, not all. 

By the way, Edna, what you have is not "highlighting", it is a change of font color, along with a double underline. 

I suggest you download, install, and run Malwarebytes, from http://www.malwarebytes.org/.  You can get the free version by clicking the button labeld "Free Download" on that page.  However, I think paying for the Pro version would be also a good option for you.  I believe the paid (Pro) version is about $25 - $30/year.

[Geek-9pm]

Yes, I did see that once or twice. .It is  some kind of spyware
Maybe it is  this:
http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/929127

[dinkie]

Thank you all for your input in trying to solve this problem.  I have downloaded  malwarebytes, but still have the problem.  Any other ideas to try and get rid of this adware.  Is it worth trying system resore?
Thanks again, all.  Edna

[jason2074]

Try running Adwcleaner to remove PUPs and Adware. Click on the Delete button and a restart would be required.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/
If nothing happens, reset Internet Explorer http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ph/windows-vista/reset-internet-explorer-7-settings
* Save or transfer your Favorites/Bookmarks also just in case. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/211089

[dinkie]

Thank you very very much Jason for sorting out this awful problem.  Your first suggestion has done the trick, but I have noted the other 2 incase I have a recurrence.  Thank you, too, Soybean for starting the ball rolling.  Also thanks to Geek, Callum and Patio for your input.
I am grateful to you all.  Cheers, Edna

[patio]

Good to hear you are fixed up...