Computer-scanning ad shuts down the browser

[Sammy Reed]

I was looking in the Alice message board, when suddenly, the Internet Explorer closed, and on the screen, there was something saying I should have my computer checked for viruses - one of those ads. I exited that thing, and it started "scanning" anyway. I quickly exited that. Unfortunately, I have to re-open the program to get to the board again.

There's a point when you've got to ask: Do you really need this, this bad?

[robyrob]

it sounds like you are infected with some malware, you should try run your antispyware programs, like Spybot Search and Destroy or MalwareBytes

if that can't remove it there are many online forums dedicated to helping people remove spyware

[Impressions]

I've had this ad too when visiting SO and have the same problem.

[Chelsea]

Originally Posted by robyrob

it sounds like you are infected with some malware, you should try run your antispyware programs

While normally good advice and while I heartily recommend those programs, in this case we DO seem to have a malicious ad in the system. I've gotten several reports of problems going back some time, and the common link is that ad. I don't have control over the ads in the system, but I've forwarded this thread on to TJ - the ad should be removed soon enough now.

[TJ]

I've installed Fiddler on my computer. It should help track down where these are coming from. Trying to find the exact ad is like finding a needle in a haystack. If the name and url of the ad can be found, it would be a lot more easier to deselect. If anybody else can install and run Fiddler, it would help in removing these types of ads.

http://www.fiddler2.com/fiddler2/