ADWcleaner keeps showing the following as spyware or something that needs to be "cleaned" (sorry if the terminology is wrong):
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{6E45F3E8-2683-4824-A6BE-08108022FB36}
ADWcleaner removes it but at the end of the day when I check again it is back. Is there a way to block this from my computer?
Hi.
You might try this:
Download and run RKILL
RKill Download
Post the log here that appears when it's finished.
Download and run ESET Poweliks remover tool (free)
How do I remove a Fileless (Poweliks or Gootkit) infection?ESET Knowledgebase
This will tell you if you are not infected with it.
Download and run Malwarebytes AntiRootkit tool and the Junkware Removal Tool
Malwarebytes | Internet Security Product Downloads from Malwarebytes
(scroll down to find these - they are both free)
If they find anything, please post here.
Reboot the computer. See if it's gone now.
Thanks for your reply. I've done as you asked and nothing was found. Just to be clear, ADWcleaner removes this reg key, but after using the computer it reappears. What I would like is something to permanently block it. Based on the name, I assume it is a Microsoft tracking/spyware key.
Do you have DoNotTrack installed in your browser?
ZoneAlarm Do Not Track Add-on 2.2.5.1213 by Abine - Should I Remove It?
I have do not track that IE and FF supply as add ons, but I don't have Zone Alarm.
I found it in internet explorer (manage ad-ons). It is listed as Not Available and is disabled. There is no apparent way to delete it. My only options are to enable or disable. Since it is already disabled I'm at a loss. Would you recommend going to the registry and deleting that line?
No, I wouldn't do that. You want to properly remove it - it's not any kind of malware or anything like that.
Here's what I would do:
1. Close all instances of IE
2. Go into Task Manager and also close any running instances of iexplore.exe in the Process Tab
3. Go to Programs and Features and uninstall it from your programs list
Failing that, you could download Avast's browser cleanup tool, or Malwarebytes JRT "Junkware removal Tool"
p.s. it is also known as "Blur" - not sure what it will be listed as in your programs.
EDIT: You do understand that DNT or Blur is a plugin to prevent web sites from tracking you, right? It's actually a useful add-on and I have used it with much success in the past.
If these steps don't work (which they should), you will have to reset IE.
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