Computer Woes

A couple days ago, I tried to download Google Chrome.  I let the download install while I went to work. When I came home, it was stuck on the second step.  I stopped it. 

I didn't know it at the time, but Firefox was also trying to download an update.  I stopped that too.  I tried to access both my Yahoo and Hotmail addresses, and it would kick me back to the sign-in page every time I tried to do anything (read mail, reply, delete mail, empty Spam, etc.)  The same thing happened when I tried to access my Hotmail, but even worse.

I deleted all cookies from both browsers and rebooted.  Still misbehaving.  A system restore brought temporary relief, but the problem was back within 24 hours.   

I have removed and reinstalled Firefox.  When I removed it, I told it to take away everything, as if I'd never install it again.  I did not import my Favorites/bookmarks from IE either.

IE is acting just as badly as Firefox for me.  I did a Bit Defender scan, and no problems were detected.  Is there anything else I can do, short of reformatting my computer?  Thank you for any help you can provide me.

Have you tried an AdAware scan?  And/or SpyBot?  (Both are free programs.)

I'm not sure what else to recommend, except to ditch Windows and get a Mac.

I second that! I use Ad-aware, AVG and Malware  all free on www.download.com  the CNET site.

Wishing you luck!

Still having problems.  There's a Google Chrome folder I can't seem to delete from my computer.  I wish there was a Google Chrome removal tool.  I have a feeling someone will have to create one for this monster.

If you use AVG (free) there's an uninstall option there that should get rid of it for you.

I'm not sure what else to recommend, except to ditch Windows and get a Mac.

Or don't dump the computer, but dump Windows and install Ubuntu! On my computer here, there is absolutely no paid-for software, all of it is (legally) free, and of course none of it is from Microsoft! Great!

If you use AVG (free) there's an uninstall option there that should get rid of it for you.

I've been using AVG Free for several years.  I didn't know they've got an uninstaller for other programs.

After a friend suggested trying to do a complete install of Google Chrome, I did it.  He suggested it because that would also download GC's own installer.  That is now working like a charm for me.  Because I put it on again, I did get the uninstaller.  I think I'll leave things alone for a bit, as long as I can get online and not constantly be booted back to the sign-ons for websites.
 

I've been using AVG Free for several years.  I didn't know they've got an uninstaller for other programs.

My mistake. They don't. I was mixing them up with CCleaner - I use both AVG and CCleaner. Ooops! 

My mistake. They don't. I was mixing them up with CCleaner - I use both AVG and CCleaner. Ooops! 

CCleaner has an uninstaller that works with other programs?  I've been using it for a while, and had no clue.

At the moment, Google Chrome is working fine, and IE6 works well with the add-ons shut off.

CCleaner has an uninstaller that works with other programs?  I've been using it for a while, and had no clue.

Yes! It's generally what I use when I need to uninstall something (rather than using its own uninstaller). For future reference, if you open CCleaner, go to 'Tools' - then you can choose which program you want to uninstall. 

For an uninstaller, I like Revo Uninstaller (available on download.com). It gives you options as to how thorough a deletion you want to do. Very good for hidden associated files.

Or don't dump the computer, but dump Windows and install Ubuntu!

Or any other Unix-derived system.  Let's face it:  Windows is garbage.

Totally agree, and would add, Windows is so dependent on its Registry that if the Registry gets corrupted, or even worse, attacked, then it is bound to encounter problems.

With hindsight I doubt that Microsoft would have included a Registry in its Windows system.

For an uninstaller, I like Revo Uninstaller (available on download.com). It gives you options as to how thorough a deletion you want to do. Very good for hidden associated files.

I tried Revo, and it didn't remove all of Google Chrome.

I think I solved my problems with Firefox, but am not sure about IE. 

It turns out that the Firefox vs. Google Cr*p (aka Chrome) war hosed my default profile in Firefox.  I created a new profile, and all appears to be well!  I thought I'd post this in case someone else had such an issue.  As soon as I get all of my bookmarks set again, Google Cr*p will vanish forever!