Welcome to Just Ask Matt! Today, Joel writes:

At work, one of four computers is receiving adware. I have Ad-Aware with ad watch, Spybot S&D, Spyguard, Spyware Blaster, the new Microsoft spyware program, and can’t stop it. The URL is
ad shooter redirect redirect.

What do I need to stop these ads from coming up?

It is interesting you bring this up. Most experts agree that on the whole, we are losing the war against spyware. As Web-junk like CoolWebSearch continues to evolve, we find ourselves being left in a very precarious position.

Personally, I would start by making sure that all of the affected computers stop using Internet Explorer. This is not an IE bashing session; this is coming to turns with the fact that IE is a target, pure and simple.

As you are discovering, it makes little difference what spyware removal program you are using. The end result is simple: use IE and remain at risk. Firefox or the Mozilla Suite would be a good move in my opinion. Just some food for thought.

As for the removal, that could be a real problem (especially since I hear the new MS program is actually really good at removal). I can help you with the prevention, but the removal… that is another story, altogether. Good luck!

Do you have an IT-related question? Perhaps you are just burnt out on writing on the walls with crayons? Whatever the
comments may be, drop me a line, and you too can “Just Ask Matt!”