17 replies to this topic

[janak]

Sorry for the previous confusing post. I'll try and do better on this one. I did as you said, with IE internet options. Also, since I use Mozilla/Firefox as my default browser, I went to the options there as well and cleared everything that I could think of. I also restored my default homepage back to MSN. And restarted my computer. Now things are becoming more clear to me........ OK, dont know which browser you use, but in IE when the MSN page first loads and you want to search for something, you DONT have to make sure your cursor is in the search box before you start typing out what you want to search for. You just start typing as soon as the page opens and it automatically goes into the search box. BUT in M/F, or at least in MY M/F (dont know if I have something not "checked" correctly)...Once I open and the MSN page loads, I physically have to put the cursor in the MSN search box. If I DONT do that, the unkn toolbar pops up at the bottom of page and my letters go into that search box. The bad thing is,,,, once this toolbar opens at the bottom, even if I "x" it out and then go put my cursor in the msn search box to type, the unkn one still opens and takes my letters, lol. It's like it gets "stuck" in that mode. I then open up the task manager and lower it.....now not too sure why this helps, lol. Anyways the unkn bar doesnt pop back up when I type in search box. I wonder if there is an option box to check somewhere on M/F that would auto put my cursor in the search box once I open my MSN homepage??? Anyways, after doing all these "tests", you are obviously correct..... this isnt going to be a malware problem...... But a M/F problem and I can and will try to go to their "help" section and see if I can figure it out. I hate taking up anymore of your valuable time on this...... I know there are tons of other folks out there that need your expertise on real "major" problems. Thankyou so very, very much for all your help and time spent with me. Also, thankyou for not ever making me feel "computer dumb", lol..... for lack of a better phrase. Gratefully, janak ****Update***** Well, wouldnt ya know it..... I went to a M/F forums help page and sure enough this is a "bug" that they are experiencing. I'm gonna post how one user puts it..... apparently he can speak computer "lingo" bettter than me.... lol, easy to understand him. BTW, that toolbar is called the M/F "find" toolbar. I'll do as they suggest and Im sure that will take care of the problem********************** janak """""""If "Begin finding when you begin typing" is enabled when Firefox starts, Firefox will begin finding when I start typing even if a text box has been given the focus. For example, when I visit Google (which automatically gives its search box the focus on page load) and begin typing a query, the text that I'm typing shows up in the Firefox find text box as opposed to the search box on the page. I have found that even if I click in a text box to give it the focus (as opposed to the page doing this automatically for me) the problem still occurs. However, I have also found that if I disable "Begin finding when you begin typing" and then re-enable it, the problem no longer occurs. Reproducible: Always Steps to Reproduce: 1. Make sure that "Begin finding when you begin typing" is turned on. If it is not, enable it and restart the Firefox browser. 2. Navigate to Google (or any page with a text box). 3. Make sure that a text box on the page has the focus either by clicking on it or by letting it get the focus automatically (as is the case with Google). 4. Start typing in the text box. Actual Results: The text that I typed appeared in the Firefox find text box. Expected Results: The text that I typed should have appeared in the text box on the page that had the focus."""""""""""""""

Edited by janak, 13 June 2006 - 07:54 PM.

[shelf life]

hi janak,

Sorry for the previous confusing post

iam easily confused.

OK, dont know which browser you use,

firefox also

you DONT have to make sure your cursor is in the search box before you start typing out what you want to search for.

your right, i tried it. i never noticed that before.

Thankyou so very, very much for all your help and time spent with me

glad to help.

good, it sounds like you have it all under control now.

if all is ok, i leave you with some reference material:

Be careful of what you download, and where you download it from. Many programs come bundled with extra software.You may be installing more than you think. Visit the makers website, learn more about the program, Does the program you want come bundled with other "3rd party" programs? What do the 3rd party programs do? Will they deliver ads? Track your surfing habits? If you search hard enough you can always find a "clean" alternative to any software. Stay away from warez and crack sites. Becarful what you download from file sharing networks. If you are not sure, scan it with your Antivirus app. A small file (in KB) is probably not what you think it is. DO YOU TRUST THE SOURCE? Check this database:Spyware Guide

Make sure you keep your Windows OS current by visiting Windows update
occasionaly to download and install any critical updates and service packs.

Adjust your browser settings: Change your(active x) settings in IE. With IE open go to tools, internet options, security tab. Click on the internet globe, then custom level. Set the first option "download signed active x controls" to prompt, the next two to disable. Read more:
Working with Internet Explorer 6 Security
Many exploits are directed at Internet Explorer, you dont have to use it. Try a different browser. You can have and use more than one browser on your computer.
Like Firefox,


Install a Firewall:A firewall will help to control what comes in from the internet and what leaves your computer to the internet. A firewall will also alert you when a application trys to connect to the internet from your computer, this is a good way to catch crapware or trojans, trying to connect out bound from your computer- whats that and why does it need a internet connection? You can deny it access it until more investigation is done. Zone Alarm is a free and easy to use firewall, that will provide in and outbound protection.
Zone Alarm
OutPost Lite
Jetico Personal Firewall

Outlook Express with the default settings is not secure. It will run scripts, download images etc, just like a browser. You dont have to use it. Windows SP1/SP2 updates have made some improvments to Outlook. Another reason to stay updated.
look here
and here
Or try Pegasus Mail, safer by default,no tweaking needed.

Make sure you have and keep updated Antivirus software
Free for home users:
avast! 4 Home Edition Download
AVG free version 7.0
AntiVir Personal Edition
clam Win

Download one or two of these, install and update before using:(if these are constantly finding malware, then you need to make changes to your browser and or your habits)
CounterSpy Free trial version
Spybot Search and destroy
Ad-Aware SE Personal edition
Microsoft Windows Defender
Becarful with spyware "removers and scanners"-- there are many "rogue/suspect" programs that "claim to remove" spyware.Check here first.

Dont be tempted to click on popup ads offering free scans or free downloads for malware removers. Read the above line again.

AntiTrojan software to fill in the gap:
a2 free
Ewido Anti-Malware
Trojan Hunter (30 day trial version)
Tauscan trial version

Other programs to consider:
Process Guard stop events/processes with user intervention
SpywareBlaster add security to IE
IE-SPYAD adds adware peddlers sites/domains to IE restricted zone
CleanUp cleans out temp files,history, autoforms etc
ATF cleaner (W2K,XP only) cleans out temp files, history etc

Learn More:
Browser Checkup
Parasite Free
Safe Hex
Shelf Lifes page
Home Computer Security

[shelf life]

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