Why did I update firefox and got a "free" bing search bar and two malware adwares?
After an automatic update - no, I didn't download any new version from any dangerous place - I found I had the Bing search bar on - which I think I have disabled, not sure though - and two malware/adware problems. First was rvzr-a.akamaihd which popped up a new tab when first clicking on any website , then I found I had offerswizard adding banners - blocked most of them - and creating hiperlinks with mini pop ups when passed over with the mouse - sorry if my english is not clear. I tried AVG free and it didn't get any warning. Finally ad-block and rgiht click on bing search arrow seemed to solve the problem, however, offerswizard had to be unistalled manually -flash enhance program, I think - after a search in google. The main question is... can I trust firefox automatic download/update?
Chosen solution
Thank you all for your answers. I tried to mark the question as solved but I doubt I did it.
First I tried in the windows / software deleting unwanted programs. Installed an ad-blocker for FF Then I downloaded adware removal tool 3.8 and the problem is almost solved. Still some deatils could be improved but I can live with it.
I think someone took advantage of FF installation and it caused other malware getting in my computer.
Thank you again.
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Generally yes you can trust but the change from version 28 to version 29 is very dramatic and many people dont like. The other stuff is deffinately maleware and has nothing to do with Firefox. Try running malwarebytes and maybe change antivirus to 360antivirus free
It could be the work of one of your add-ons, or even add / mal-ware.
Look thru your add-ons list and make sure you know what each one is
there for. Also,
Windows > Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs.
Go thru the list and use a web search to check any that you don't
know what they are.
Sometimes a problem with Firefox may be a result of malware installed on your computer, that you may not be aware of.
You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
- MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
- TDSSKiller - AntiRootkit Utility
- Hitman Pro
- ESET Online Scanner
Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.
Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.
Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!
I have exactly the same problem as MikerBiker told. I am pretty sure that it came after the FF 30 update!!!
You wouldn't get this from a Firefox update unless you fell for a pop-up notification and downloaded a so called update from a server that wasn't a Mozilla server.
If you get a pop-up message asking to update Firefox or plugins then such a message is likely a scam and you should never respond to such an alert to avoid getting infected with malware.
- Only update Firefox via "Help > About" or by downloading and installing Firefox from the Mozilla server and never via a pop-up or link on a web page.
- Plugins should only be updated via the plugin itself or by visiting the home page of the plugin.
For me, FF updates automatically from its own server.
- Scanned the Drive C: with AVG Internet Security 2013, as well as with Spybot - Search & Destroy (Free),
- Searched for {ec8030f7-c20a-464f-9b0e-13a3a9e97384} on the Drive C: (Its in the Mozilla folder) and deleted,
Reboot and its gone for me.
But it came back!!!
Modified
MikerBiker
Please paste your troubleshooting information into your next reply (Edit out the print prefs if they take a lot of room)
It would be best if you can do that before removing addons or programs or running any of the scans. Once you run the scans can you also try to save the reports you get.
I am asking this because Firefox may be able to block some of the bad stuff and save other people from these problems.
Erkan2
Sorry you are having problems.
Could I ask you to start a new thread by asking your own question and giving full details.
- Please use /questions/new/desktop
- Please try to follow the prompts and include troubleshooting info when you do that. (There is a green button to automate the process. Use that, or if you encounter problems doing so mention that in the new thread.)
Thanks
P.S.
Everyone
If you do start a new thread of your own after seeing this thread please post into the thread (/questions/1000621/#question-reply) just to confirm you have started a new thread.
P.P.S Also it may help if you can provide a screenshot of the problem
Note to use a compressed image file such as a .jpg , .jpeg or.png The forum does not like large bit map files.
Modified
Instructions on getting the trouble shooting information
To find the correct solution to your problem, we require some more non-personal information from you. Please do the following:
- For Firefox versions previous to 29.0: Click the Firefox button at the top left, then click the Help menu and select Troubleshooting Information from the submenu. If you don't have a Firefox button, click the Help menu at the top and select Troubleshooting Information from the menu.
- For Firefox 29.0 and above: Click the menu button , click help and select Troubleshooting Information.
Now, a new tab containing your troubleshooting information should open.
- At the top of the page, you should see a button that says "Copy text to clipboard". Click it.
- Now, go back to your forum post and click inside the reply box. Press Ctrl+V to paste all the information you copied into the forum post.
If you need further information about the Troubleshooting information page, please read the article Use the Troubleshooting Information page to help fix Firefox issues.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I found the “Network System Driver” adware and removed it.
{ec8030f7-c20a-464f-9b0e-13a3a9e97384} happens to be the GUID for Firefox - all versions of Firefox, not a sole version.
That "GUID" will appear in the install.rdf file for every extension that has ever been made for Firefox; along with some other places where that "ID" is used to identify compatibility with Firefox.
Modified
Just after uninstalling the "Network System Driver", it seems that the malware problem is gone for me.
Chosen Solution
Thank you all for your answers. I tried to mark the question as solved but I doubt I did it.
First I tried in the windows / software deleting unwanted programs. Installed an ad-blocker for FF Then I downloaded adware removal tool 3.8 and the problem is almost solved. Still some deatils could be improved but I can live with it.
I think someone took advantage of FF installation and it caused other malware getting in my computer.
Thank you again.