Almighty Search

I was wondering why my browser was always switching to the "almighty search" when my computer couldn't find a particular web site. Then I poked around and found that some spyware program inserted the following DNS entries into my HOSTS files. (C:windowssystem32driversetc).

216.177.73.139  auto.search.msn.com

216.177.73.139  search.netscape.com

216.177.73.139  ieautosearch

I recommend you use one of the HOSTS files I refer to in other messages to wipe out reference to common ad sites. And apparently you should replace it frequently to clean out any programs that might have hacked it. Also try making the file READONLY!