being redirected

[Shmee]

i need some help with this problem i have. every time i make a search in any search engine when i click on a link i get redirected to some random page. it only happens the first two times i click the link so the third time i go to the place i wanted to. im on xp and have IE 7. ive ran AVG free, adaware, and spy doctor but they come up with nothing. so if someone can help that would be great. thanks

[The Saviour]

Try updating those programs and running them again in Safe Mode.

[honvetops]

install and run Firefox    - save yourself from the continuing headaches!   

[CBMatt]

install and run Firefox    - save yourself from the continuing headaches!   

This is merely sweeping the problem under the rug.  It doesn't actually solve anything.

This definitely sounds like some sort of browser hijack, so Shmee, you should do as The Saviour suggests.

[Shmee]

thank you for the help Saviour i did what you said and now the problems gone. can you maybe tell me why spyware doctor would find something in safe mode that it didnt in regular, thanks again for your help.

[honvetops]

safe mode stops anything unusual from running in the background when doing a  virus/ spy  sweep of the puter....  (I think, something along these lines)  CBMatt knows for sure why safe mode is the way to go when trying to clean out your puter) < !

I was being sarcastic on my 1st answer but, now or when your clean,  you might consider running with firefox in the future with some extensions like no scripts and pop-ups  added to your browsing experience............

I have maybe an  80% reduction in infections since switching over to firefox ~

[Deerpark]

In "regular" mode the spyware can prevent it self from being detected/removed because it gets loaded at startup, but in safe mode only essential windows components gets loaded so the spyware is no longer able to prevent detection/removal.

[The Saviour]

thank you for the help Saviour i did what you said and now the problems gone. can you maybe tell me why spyware doctor would find something in safe mode that it didnt in regular, thanks again for your help.

I'm sorry for the late post...I've been gone most of the day.

I'm glad everything is back to normal...and you're welcome.

Now that your computer is back to norma, you might want to clear your old System Restore dates and start a new one.

You can do this by right clicking on My Computer, selecting Properties, selecting System Restore tab, check the Turn off System Restore box...click Apply and/or OK.  Reboot.  After Reboot...go back and remove the check mark from Turn Off System Restore.  Click Apply and/or OK.  Reboot.  You now have a fresh Sysyem Restore point.

Keep it clean, my friend!