pc-on-internet Adware

[Ardua]

Recently, my computer became infected with pc-on-internet adware which resulted in additional pages opening up in IE7. All the pages were to do with shopping offers. I have Vista Ultimate with Norton Internet Security 2007. Norton, and many other spyware programmes, failed to detect the problem. In the end, I did a complete Vista re-install. Grateful for any thoughts about what I can do to prevent it happening again. Thanks.

[Simon]

Hi Ardua, and seeing as you haven't had one, here's a welcome karma. 

Spyware is not something where there are hard and fast rules which will prevent it 100% from getting into your machine.  If you have NIS, Vista and other spyware programs, you've really done all you can, and it's a question of 'safe surfing', i.e. watching what websites you visit, what links you click, and what programs you install.  You said you have 'many other spyware programs', but you have to be careful with some of them, as they themselves can sometimes be risky, as there are 'rogue' spyware utilities about.  Check what you have out on the website link below, and make sure you haven't got anything iffy installed. 

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

[Ardua]

Thanks. I think that I have done everything that I can. The detail on your link is fascinating and well worth a read.