Unwanted toolbar buttons and links

I threw a bachelor party last week and apparently my pc was used to access some "objectionable" sites on the web. I soon found out my home page (on IE5 win2000)was changed and I have a new icon on my toolbar. Also when I click on the "tools" button it lists the website (along with yahoo messenger) in the dropdown menu. While the yahoo isnt a problem the other is, due to my kids visiting once a week and might click on it. Changing the homepage is a given but I would like to remove the button completely and permanently along with the listing in the dropdown menu. Can someone tell me how to do this if it is possible at all. Thank you.

 

It sounds like they created some "Links" for you. Click on the Favorites button and look in there for the Links folder. Click it and you can then right click all the entries within and delete them.

If you don't want the links option to show on your toolbar, click "View" > Toolbars > and remove the check mark from Links, if it has one. It will toggle each time you click it.

I hope I understood what you meant; if not post back.

 

dah web stuff

Yep someone really likes you Delete history files, temporary internet files & while in windows explorer folder empty out those c:\windows\temp files Now reset your home page gci.net & look how warm we are in Fairbanks, Alaska rite now
OH yeah, hi there Zephyr!

 

Thanks for the reply Zephyr. There were no links in the links folder like you said. Here's what's happening: When I right click on the menu bar in the dropdown menu it lists "customize ". It's in this application that the icon is showing up. I cant remove it permanently from here. Also in the "tools" dropdown menu is where the link is showing up. I cant remove that either. I almost think they have ******* with my registry some how.
Thanks again
Hammer

 

I just "see" your latest post back. If I 'member rite win2k is sorta like winxp. So navigate to your favorites folder in windows explorer & open LINKS there. look for the prob & delete. Mine in winxp looks like C:\documents & settings\{me as admin}\Favorites {has a star}\links

 

Your friends may have visited some site that hijacked your home page. Check here for further info and also do a Google search for more links. There is also a couple threads in this BBS about the subject so do a search of the archives here. Here's one.

At any rate, running AdAware and/or SpyBot would be a very good place to start.

Hi Rancher, I see you're having a heat wave there! It's 21° on the tarmac tonight.

 

Have you had a peek at your list of application unistall's via control panel? It may be some service that has been polite enough to include an "uninstall" function.

Does one dare ask what the icon/site name is that is being such a pain?

 

The Browser Extension Manager will help you manage Browser Helper Objects, Home Page, and any other extensions to your browser, many of which you are probably unaware:
http://www.nuetools.co.uk/

 

HiJackThis will also list all BHOs and any other additions to IE, such as buttons, etc, and allows removal.

 

Well it appears as though the problem is fixed. Thanks to the help of all of you fine people. BTW the website was "Mejor Busqueda" whatever that means..
Thanks again
Hammer