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When I am finished an have shut down Fire Fox, I come back to my computer and I find that Fire Fox is open, and a random URL page is open. I live alone.

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  • Last reply by John99

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After I have finished using Fire Fox and log off, and I come back later, I find that Fire Fox is open to a URL that I have not typed in or even searched on. I live alone, so no one else uses my computer, here is a example URL that was open this evening when I returned home from work: http://tv.channel157news.com/news/?ilmernzkvtazn=485B39F47826C353&pu=&s=D-firefox&nm=ilmernzkvtazn

After I have finished using Fire Fox and log off, and I come back later, I find that Fire Fox is open to a URL that I have not typed in or even searched on. I live alone, so no one else uses my computer, here is a example URL that was open this evening when I returned home from work: http://tv.channel157news.com/news/?ilmernzkvtazn=485B39F47826C353&pu=&s=D-firefox&nm=ilmernzkvtazn

All Replies (20)

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Do you believe in poltergeists ?

One possibility is that it is malware. I suppose a possible explanation is that you have some timer set to record TV programs. The link you give does not give me any credible results on a websearch which seems odd if it is a news tv channel.

I think scanning for malware using multiple up to date tools would be a good idea.

Usual suggestions being: Sometimes a problem with Firefox may be a result of malware installed on your computer, that you may not be aware of.

You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:

Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!


It may be a good idea to ensure the computer is not connected phisically; including by WiFi; when left unattended, or you may get a surprise Internet of Phone bill.

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I suggest putting your computer in sleep mode while you're away, if you don't need it to do be doing anything. Save a little electricity and minimize the possibility that it will surf the web on its own.

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I use google chrome but i have the same problem. This is one of the sites that pop up. It says "Sponsorship" in the interleaf. http://tv.channel157news.com/news/?ilmernzkvtazn=B888E30631233DEA&pu=ZmFjZWJvb2suY29t&s=D-chrome&nm=ilmernzkvtazn

I checked my computer with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, but it didnt find any malware...

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Its somekind of ad maybe?

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It is no good. You computer might be hacked by Black Hats. Black hats are illegal hackers. If it is really. Then you need to perform restore factory settings. If the problem continues then there is nothing you can do about it.

  • PLEASE NOTE THAT RESTORE FACTORY SETTING MEANS DELETING ALL OTHER FILES AND SOFTWARE. IT WILL BE IN STATE THAT YOU BOUGHT NEW COMPUTER AND YOU WILL HAVE TO SET IT UP AGAIN. USE INTERNET FOR YOU COMPUTER'S HOW TO RESTORE FACTORY GUIDES.

Modified by Mihir Kansagra

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Hi heldor, you may need to try multiple scanners. Don't give up yet.

Edit: In case you did not see it, John99 posted a lengthy list.

Modified by jscher2000 - Support Volunteer

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Hi heldor, the principle of checking whether you have an unwanted extension applies to Chrome as well. This article shows where you can find them in the menu: Uninstall extensions - Chrome Help.

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John99 said : Do you believe in poltergeists ?

yeeeesssss, i like that, life without humor is dead life .


thank you

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It may also be worth noting that Firefox has a reset feature, that does not reset the rest of your computer just Firefox. It does however loose some information notably open tabs and Firefox extensions so you may wish to close open tabs or at least bookmark them and also bookmark the home websiets of any Firefox extensions

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I have this problem too! when my mozilla is open and i do nothing for 5 minutes this link opens itself in a new tab! http://tv.channel157news.com/news/?ilmernzkvtazn=001FC6893F914669&pu=c2libmV0LnJ1&s=firefox&nm=ilmernzkvtazn&t=aHR0cDovL3ZpZGVvLnNpYm5ldC5ydS9uZXcvdmlkZW8xMjA2MjM4LUdfSV9LX19Ob3Zvc3RpX19fUHlhdGF5YV92bGFzdF9CZW5lZGlrdGFfS2FtYmVyYmV0Y2hhX18xN18wN18xM18v I have Eset Smart Security antivirus, but he is silent. What the f.. ????

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Hi GantZ_Yaka, please see:

Does that help? If you figure out the culprit, please post back about what it was.

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Try Avast antivirus . It is very powerful and main thing IT IS FREE for 1 year and then you can renew again for free.

This link will take you to the registration form. http://www.avast.com/registration-free-antivirus.php

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i have checked my computer with Microsoft Safety Scanner and F-Secures online scanner too, but they didnt find anything.. I dont have other extensions but avg security toolbar..

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This "ad" that pops up is in Finnish for me... cause I'm a fin, but is it for u too?

Modified by heldor

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Hi heldor, can you try the Kaspersky TDSSKiller linked above? If malware is concealed by a rootkit, the other scanners might be unable to detect it.

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jscher2000 I tried it.. fast one :D but no it didnt find anything.. and i dont believe in poltergeists....

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To determine whether it is caused by external software launching a URL in the default browser, you could change your default browser temporarily to Internet Explorer. During this test, ignore Firefox's suggestions to change your default browser back to Firefox.

Use the version selector on the right side of the page to see steps for IE10 or IE8: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/make-ie-default-browser#ie=ie-9

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I am using F1 security through my Fios internet. It seems to have occured after I began running Fios with Frontier. I also note that anonnymous is now on my locked wifi within my computer. I am tracking it as an intruder and deleting it when possible but it comes back. Cld someone have my password for my internet within an hour or so of becoming a Frontier customer? I get the above internet site on a regular basis. I have never done anything with the channel in the URL. I had my computer completely cleaned of a malware before I hooked up to Frontier. Am I still infected? I was told I got it using a free scan. My spouse used different free scanners and he had one show up with F1. It is all very disconcerting. Any thoughts?

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Hi CarolJoy, what is F1 security? Who makes it?

The first reply in this thread has a comprehensive list of free clean-up tools. Please try those.

You might also try:

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F1 is what Frontier calls their security system. I just ran it and there does not seem to be any malware or anything else. My computer shop cleaned the PC out as I could not connect to Frontier internet on my computer. The other items--other PCs, laptop, Roku, Ipad, printer did fine. Just not my PC. It came home all cleaned out. I am not sure why I get that pop up URL when I am away from the computer. I do not know why I show annoymous connected to my home network. I have placed it as an intruder and I delete it but it comes back. I will try next week to change the password. That is a thankless job as that means all my devices will need to be changed over. It has been frustrating. I cannot find where I came up with F1 right now but it is Frontier Security I pay a monthly fee to have. I had to take out all the free clean up tools before it would go in.

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