Serious search problem

The problem is simple: after a search using Google or MSN, EVERY link
I click on goes to a semi-arbitrary advertising site. Sometimes
repeating the click gets the same site, sometimes a different one.
Searching has become impossible.

Clicking on links given in Usenet posts, or in my favourites file,
takes me to the correct site. Entering a URL into the entry line of
IE, or copying the URL from the bottom of a Google entry and pasting
it into the entry area, gives me the correct site. It's the links
that Google provides that are all getting redirected by something. I
used a tool to ensure that the Google search page I'm getting has not
been spoofed, and it told me it was clean. I have anti-fraud and
phishing stuff running.

What I've got: XP Pro with IE7 (problem also occurs with IE6): Norton
Internet Security 2007, A-Squared malware checker with real-time
monitor, CA firewall set to maximum protection. I'm not in the habit
of opening HTML mail or clicking on sites in spam mail, or of
downloading anything I'm not sure of.

What I've done:
checked HOSTS and LMHOSTS files - all okay.
Ran a deep scan with Norton and A-Squared. Also bought Adaware and
tried two other malware checkers, plus the online virus scan from
McAfee. No problems found other than a couple of tracking cookies
that were not causing the problem. In desperation I did a Windows
repair install, and ran all of the virus and malware checkers again.
This made no difference, and I have no idea what to try next.

Any ideas?
--
Robin Bignall
Herts, England
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Serious search problem
    ... to start without any add-ons. ... SuperAntiSpyware is one of the four malware checkers that I've run. ... after a search using Google or MSN, ... or copying the URL from the bottom of a Google entry and pasting ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: can i delete a file on www??
    ... the entry does not exist per se on Google. ... Hack into the website and remove the information. ... I recommend option 5. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Re: office 2003 - officeassistant.exe
    ... I found your entry via google and created an account to hopefully see ... New sony, trial office upgraded to full, ...
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  • Re: Message NONAME-W-NOMSG
    ... I'd search on google but these answers werent enough ... Job CARGA_TBACK_JDA_CT (queue SYS$NODE, entry 58) terminated with ...
    (comp.os.vms)
  • Re: A.P.B on really real.
    ... is this your dorky "test" for whether I should be allowed ... entry into the RMD clubhouse? ... And if you could Google it, ...
    (rec.music.dylan)
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