well, now the link directs you to facebook so anyone that has experience with malicious software the link will no longer direct you to the program. i think i was infected with a root kit from this fake firefox update. numerous new files are showing up... i'm gonna shut down and deal with this tomorrow i'm too steamed to try anything else today.

Seems that you may not be alone and that the site may also have targeted other browsers with fake offers see http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=620fcf39daabc04a&hl=en

Hey, Browser Update has been blacklisted by Mozilla because it is spyware disguising itself as a Firefox Update. How can you install it if it is blacklisted. OK, now comes how to remove it. Download Avast! FREE AntiVirus 6 from here-

(http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?part=dl-85737&subj=dl&tag=button)

Install it with Typical installation choice when prompted. After installation, open Avast! from desktop shortcut. If it asks for registration, ignore it. Click Scan Computer in the left pane and select Boot-Time Scan. In the right-pane click schedule. Now restart your PC. Avast! Boot Time Scan should initialize. Follow the on-screen instructions and delete any malicious files.

@jake.stanton,

Did you try out my solution?

@Swappnilrusagi

Curiosity I was wondering

• is it blacklisted if so where and what is actually blacklisted ?
  (iirc I did see an inactive list entry somewhere under stopbadware.org ={ Firefox partner )
• firefox will block phishing or attack sites IF those options are chosen, are there any other Firefox features, that I am unaware of that block sites,
  Hey, Browser Update has been blacklisted by Mozilla because it is spyware disguising itself as a Firefox Update. How can you install it if it is blacklisted.

thx for the info swap but i restored to factory settings. this virus was the most powerful i have ever come across and wanted to be certain it was completely gone.

to john: firefox asked to allow and i clicked it without looking at the address. careless on my part.

Yes restore options can sometimes be more satisfactory than trying to remove malware from an already compromised machine. Especially if up-to-date and comprehensive trusted backups are available.

@John99, Browser Update is in the Mozilla Add-on Blocklist.

(http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/blocklist/)

Firefox automatically blocks the add-on from being used if it is on the blocklist.