Google problems

[beema]

Hi calling all IT experts
My Google has been hijacked. When I click on any of the links its gives me I am re-directed to another web site not the one I have clicked on. The only way I can view my searches is by cutting and pasting the address into the addresss bar. How can I sort it out without having to re-install everything?

[vehelpfulguy]

This can happen if someone has updated your HOSTS file.

Everyone has a file called HOSTS (no extension) and some viruses update this to change all web sites to post to a particlar one.

The hosts file should be in the folder:

C:\WINDOWS\System32\driver\etc

(note etc is part of the path name)

Try to find that file and see what is in it. Let us know on this forum.

I have a program called WinPatrol installed that tells you if anyone is trying to update your hosts file (or install any new programs, or change your home page).

It is well worth getting WinPatrol, it is free.

[beema]

Thanks vehelpfulguy (an apt name). I looked on the hosts file but there was nothing untoward, just a list of some of the programmes installed on the pc.