[wknight86]

on my computer when I attempt to connect to the microsoft update site I get redirected to google. I put microsoft.com in my address bar and get to the microsoft website but when i choose the option for updates i just get a google page. This happens in firefox (3.0.6) and IE 7

I'm also having an issue with spybot that's probably related, I can't access the spybot website at safer-networking.org, and whenver i try to check for updates in spybot it says "error retrieving update info file" and closes out of the updater.

I've tried using my ISP's DNS servers and openDNS, both have the same results.

I've flushed the DNS, no change.

i've been running checks with Mcafee VirusScan and Spybot, neither is able to clear the problem

I'm on a windows XP computer directly connected to a DSL modem, no router.

[mrss]

Perhaps the hosts file was hacked. windows\system32\drivers\etc\ is the default location, but that can be changed via registry hacks.

But even if you fix that, the PC may be infected in other places.

[Cookiegal]

The General Security forum is only for general questions regarding security software and things of that nature but not for actually removing malware as we have qualified helpers who are the only members who are authorized to assist with those matters. You can easily identify them as they have either a gold or blue shield beside their usernames. Please refer to this excerpt from the rules:

Log Analysis/Malware Removal - In order to ensure that advice given to users is consistent and of the highest quality, those who wish to assist with security related matters must first graduate from one of the malware boot camp training universities or be approved by the administration as already being qualified. Those authorized to help with malware issues have a gold shield next to their name and authorized malware removal trainees have a blue shield next to their names. Anyone wishing to participate in a training program should contact a Moderator for more information.

I'm going to close this thread and ask you to repost in the Malware Removal & HijackThis Logs forum for the proper assistance.