Hey 'mates, possible Fix.

At least, so far, so good.  Neither problem has returned since my last attempt to get rid of this bugger.

Not that that necessarily means anything since it's only been a few days, but 'ere's what I did:

1. FireFox --> Tools --> Options --> Privacy --> Cookies --> Show Cookies --> Remove All Cookies

2. FireFox --> Tools --> Options --> Advanced --> Network --> Cache --> Clear Now.

3. IE --> Tools --> Internet Options --> General --> Temporary Internet Files --> Delete Cookies

4. IE --> Tools --> Internet Options --> General --> Temporary Internet Files --> Delete Files (checkmark delete all offline content)

5. Run Ad-aware 2008 (latest free ver: 7.1.0.11)

6. click update (off the main Ad-aware screen) to purloin newest definitions file.

7. Run *Full Scan*: Ad-Aware --> Scan --> Full Scan.

Note 1: 'natch if any spyware is found checkmark and select "Quarantine".

Note 2: If any cookies are found, checkmark and _delete them all_.

(it has been suggested that this particular google hack may be triggered by a cookie)

Special Note 3: If you're using Win XP (or any windows version) with System Restore ON.

(to see if it's on: START --> Right Click "My Computer" ---> Properties --> System Restore tab)

It has been sugged that it be turned off _before_ running the steps above.  Then turn it back on _after_ completing step 7.

Interesting to note: I read that it's a good idea to turn system restore off before running a clean-sweep of your system, and back on directly afterwards, because apparently *some* malware (executable files injected into your windows directory for example) may be copied into the system "backup".

and so when we clean our system, it'll be fine until the system is "restored" at which point, the malware is copied right back onto our system -by- system restore.

That'd certainly be a circular pain in the posterior.

Anyway, hit irc to look for help and a Mensa mate said he thought it sounded like a browser hijack triggered by a bogus cookie. 

I have no idea whether he's correct or not, but between deleting all caches/all cookies and running the latest ad-aware with the latest definitions file, so far, the kitchensinks.n0t google'n'gmail hack attack hasn't returned.

Knock on Regis Philbin's Head.

[Pathud -Ed]

The Avante Guardian. ---- Einstein's Hair^2 //Approved.