CoolSearch has infested my computer. It messes with the home page and significantly degrades IE, I’m getting popups all over the place. I have tried Spybot, Adaware, Norton, AVG, and CWshredder, all with the most recent definitions. Most have found offending files but cannot fix them. Can anyone give me some advice. Do I need to go into regedit and if so, do what? Is there a tool that will get rid of this. Will switching to Opera or Mozilla take care of the problem?
Give this a try: http://www.softpedia.com/public/cat/10/17/10-17-150.shtml
I have never had a problem with Coolsearch so I do not know how well this program will work.
I just fixed my GF’s computer yesterday of this maleware. Do a “cool web search removal” search in google, you should find links to CSWShredder that will remove the maleware.
I would note down the locations of the detected files then boot in Safe Mode and delete them. Tap the F8 key just after the BIOS screen disappears and before the Windows splash screen comes up, then arrow down to Safe Mode and hit Enter. This will let you delete files that would normally be in use.
You may also be able to run Ad-aware, Spybot, and CWShredder while in Safe Mode. Once you’re done, reboot and rescan to see if anything came back.
When I tried Shredder it did not work, but perhaps running out of safe mode would do it.