Random redirects: got a Mozilla.Zine 'barred' notice via Google Search for Firefox Help Forum 051311
I have been having redirect problems from both Google and Yahoo search engines. When I type in any keywords (I just used 'Firefox Help Forum' it presented this site page and links:
Firefox Support • mozillaZine Forums Oct 27, 2003 ... Support forums for Firefox. Where Firefox users can get help from other users. Mozilla Firefox - Problems after Updating Firefox - Frequently Asked Questions Alexa Traffic Rank for http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewforum.php?f=38:
4,607forums.mozillazine.org/viewforum.php?f=38 - Cached - Similar
When I clicked on it, I got redirect to a MozzilaZine page that informed me I am banned until May 29th (I just joined April 27th with about 3 posts, so not sure why I would get banned.)
It provided a link to 'Board Administrator'. When clicked it redirected to the Yahoo email signin page.
I have a screenshot of the MozzilaZine page described above but not sure how to attach it to this post.
2nd attempt same keywords ( I wanted to provide the exact URL address). The results changed to URL: http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewforum.php?f=38
General Error SQL ERROR [ mysql4 ]
User 'mozine_forums_rw' has exceeded the 'max_user_connections' resource (current value: 20) [1226]
An sql error occurred while fetching this page. Please contact an administrator if this problem persists.
Earlier this week, I kept getting redirected to totally unrelated webpages, some retail sales pages, some not.
Same problem exists when I use the Yahoo Search box | engine.
I am using Firefox 4.0.1 and other than this URL redirect issue, the browser works great for us.
Modified by Jaykay
Chosen solution
There are known problems with the MozillaZine forums. Occasionally people get a notification that they are banned when trying to log in, if you try logging in again it may work. If it constantly happens you need to ask about it in the site discussion section at MozillaZine where one of the forum moderators will be able to assist. Guest posting is allowed in that part of the forum - http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewforum.php?f=11
There are several variations on the forum being unavailable error messages that also occur on a fairly regular basis. If you try going to the site a few minutes later it will often work.
As for the random re-directs, this type of behaviour can be caused by malware. Try running several malware scanners. It is best to run several as each will pick up things that the others miss. Some scanners you can try are:
- Malwarebytes - http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
- SuperAntiSpyware - http://www.superantispyware.com
- Ad-Aware - http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php
- Windows Defender - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx
- Spybot S&D - http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html
All Replies (3)
Chosen Solution
There are known problems with the MozillaZine forums. Occasionally people get a notification that they are banned when trying to log in, if you try logging in again it may work. If it constantly happens you need to ask about it in the site discussion section at MozillaZine where one of the forum moderators will be able to assist. Guest posting is allowed in that part of the forum - http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewforum.php?f=11
There are several variations on the forum being unavailable error messages that also occur on a fairly regular basis. If you try going to the site a few minutes later it will often work.
As for the random re-directs, this type of behaviour can be caused by malware. Try running several malware scanners. It is best to run several as each will pick up things that the others miss. Some scanners you can try are:
- Malwarebytes - http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
- SuperAntiSpyware - http://www.superantispyware.com
- Ad-Aware - http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php
- Windows Defender - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx
- Spybot S&D - http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html
Modified by TonyE
Thanks TonyE that waasss grrreaaattt! (bet that's the first time you heard that - this morning :)
I have never tried to login to MozillaZine. Other Search Engine redirects yesterday on the keyword search 'Firefox Help Forum' included 'Buddy.TV', 'Error Box - connection reset' and 'PharmDaily.com' instead of the Firefox Help Forum website.
The recommendation to check malware is really appreciated - thank you. I will get on it today and post my results. Cheerio(s)
TonyE thanks. Malwarebytes.com found 14 infected files and the random redirects are now history. Jaykay