Non deletable Favourites

[Steve Chafer]

Not sure if its a variation of Flashs' problem today but when bringing up the list of internet favourites there are a good few that cannot be deleted, casinos on line shopping gifts "cool stuff" etc

have noticed that my sons site within the computer has a new tool bar plus a search bar at the bottom of the screen

so far theres nothing too dodgy but I'd like to be rid of them

does anyone have some suggestions perhaps scrub the current internet browser and download another one?

thanks
Steve

PS the old W124 is ageing fast need to look around for a time warp one now!!

 

[andy_k]

if there are some stubborn ones you can't shift (assuming you are using XP) you can log yourself off then log back on as an administrator using a different account and this should then allow you to clear out all of the hidden internet files

C:\Documents and Settings\your user name here\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files


Once you've ignored all the dire warnings about system files and folders etc you can clear out everything including the hidden folders.

After that you should be able to do the cookies and finally sweep your favourites clean

HTH

Andy

 

[Steve Chafer]

Thaks for that Andy but cant find ANYTHING called local settings

I think the lad has allowed a site to install a new toolbar along with undeletable favourites in the favourites list

eek!

Steve

 

[MikeL]

Thaks for that Andy but cant find ANYTHING called local settings

I think the lad has allowed a site to install a new toolbar along with undeletable favourites in the favourites list

eek!

Steve

Steve - sounds like you might have something like "Cool Web Search".Hopefully not, worse case senario is starting an XP install from scratch.

Check this link for more info:

http://www.adwarereport.com/mt/archives/000051.html

Also run the usual anti spyware software. (Ad-Aware, Spybot)

Good luck

Mike

 

[andy_k]

steve, what operating system are you using?

the address i gave should point you straight to that folder if you are using XP

if you are still using win 98 the procedure is slightly different

Andy

edited to say

I've just realised, that is a "hidden folder"

1, go to the "tools" menu at the top of your "my computer" window and select the "folder options"

2, click on the "view" tab and about 2/3rds of the way down the window which opens the option to "show hidden files and folders" is there

Then you should be able to go back to my previous post

HTH

ANDY

 

[Steve Chafer]

Undeletable favourites

Thanks Andy, Mike

cant seem to rid myself of these things an XP re install sounds complex so I guess its off to a computer shop ( ? PC world) for an overhaul

eek

Steve

 

[andy_k]

where in east sussex are you Steve?

 

[tinkypot]

Have you tried going into safe mode? Press F8 at the PC startup (before the windows logo comes up) and select safe mode.

log in as administrator and go to C:\Documents and Settings\username or all users\Favorites and delete all favs you dont want.

Do a disk cleanup from the accessories/system tools folder. Select everything minus compress old files option.

Also, while your at it do a full anti-virus (whatever you have and mcafee stinger. google stinger) and spyware scan (ad aware/spybot) whilst in safe mode. Make sure they are fully up to date. This should remove most of the rubbish.

Finish with a defrag.


Alex

 

[Steve Chafer]

Advice

Thanks guys

have tried the safe mode thing and it wont let me into the folder where I suspect the faves are.

I'm away in Aberdeen for 2 days from tonight so I'll have another go when I get back


thanks

Steve
Lewes, East Sussex

 

[andy_k]

give me a shout when you get back Steve, you're only 20 miles away two heads are always better than one

XP is a bit fussy about letting you delete temp internet files and favourites but it can be done

Andy

 

[Steve Chafer]

Thanks Andy thats a great offer and I was going to take you up on it and buy you lots of beer !

while I was in Aberdeen I had a chat with our IT people and found out I'm legitimately entitled to download McAfee protection. including updates when ever they become available.

have also decide to upgrade the Pc with a TV card (digital + analogue plus PVR)

apparantly this Coolweb search thing is more common than anyone might imagine thankfully as it's a family PC the Adult site it put links to were for gambling and drug sales rather than porn

its still damm annoying though

PS btw what is a "hardware" firewall anyone?

 

[andy_k]

Thanks Andy thats a great offer and I was going to take you up on it and buy you lots of beer !

while I was in Aberdeen I had a chat with our IT people and found out I'm legitimately entitled to download McAfee protection. including updates when ever they become available.

have also decide to upgrade the Pc with a TV card (digital + analogue plus PVR)

apparantly this Coolweb search thing is more common than anyone might imagine thankfully as it's a family PC the Adult site it put links to were for gambling and drug sales rather than porn

its still damm annoying though

PS btw what is a "hardware" firewall anyone?

glad you've got it sorted but you can still buy me loads of beer if you want

a hardware firewall is usually incorporated into the router and makes your system a lot less prone to hackers

Andy

 

[Steve Chafer]

Hardware firewall

tx Andy et al

dont have a router as such just a Thompson speedtouch "modem" which came from Bt when I got their broadband so not sure I could have a firewall
but any sugestions gratefully recieved

wish I knew more, I feel like dragging my 12 year old son around with me these days to work all this stuff !!!

Steve