Spam is being sent from my e-mail

[reeses16 8]

Okay, so I have yet another computer related challenge. My e-mail is spamming people. I log in the morning to check my messages and I have several messages saying I undeliverable mail....to people I didn't email (EVERYONE in my address book). I click on the message and its spam telling people I'm recommend that they visit some electronics website. I also have the same messages many more times in my spam folder. I would really like to stop this spam is unappreciated, dangerous, and unprofessional.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

I have McAfee anti-virus and I have not used an public computers.

[Sylvia_n_Joseph 3]

Try using a spyware detector I use spybot search and destoy

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Be careful when trying to find spyware removal software - some of them are worthless.

Ad-aware is the best free version around.

http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

One you install it, do a full system scan which may take 40 minutes, but it should find the trojan.

Let me know how it goes.

Edited February 14, 2009 by Mister Fancypants

[luckytxn 2,264]

McAfee blows for sure. Use the spybot as suggested and also go to microsoft and download the malicious remover tool. Also there are other free malware removal tools. Not sure whick operating system you are using but if the malware is in the registry then it may be impossible to remove and need to do a reformat.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Don't open those emails, just send them to the spam or junk mail folders. If you look at the full headers, you will see that your email address was not the one originating the spam, and by opening those message, you just will verify your email address to those wanting to send you more spam.

[reeses16 8]

Thanks for the suggestions! I have subscription to spywarebot. But I see now that it needs to be renewed. Should I renew it (~$60) with a unlimited renewal or try ad-aware? I don't mind spending the money, if its worth it.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Thanks for the suggestions! I have subscription to spywarebot. But I see now that it needs to be renewed. Should I renew it (~$60) with a unlimited renewal or try ad-aware? I don't mind spending the money, if its worth it.

IMO, it's not worth it.

Your web browser is typically how the spyware finds itself on your computer. If you are using MS Explorer - please stop. Use Firefox or Google's chrome. Explorer is notorious for having security issues.

[reeses16 8]

Ok, thanks. I will try ad aware. I am using Firefox.

[Jasman0717 9]

It sounds like a virus more than spyware. You can try this place, Microsoft help desk recommended it and you can get a limited version for free: http://www.superantispyware.com/index.html

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Ok, thanks. I will try ad aware. I am using Firefox.

Oh good. I'll post some screen shots of my settings for Firefox that might help minimize any security issues.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I think these are the default Security Settings, but just in case - check to see what your settings are...

[elkfarmer 4]

welcome to the club amigo. Same virus here. Nation wide thing. I caught all kinds of flack from all the people in my address book.

[Kevin&Leilei 1]

Sorry, there's nothing you can do. The spam emails are not being sent from your account, they are just using your email address as the "from" address, and when they bounce back, they're coming to you.

[Nikita2Charles 32]

Those emails might be fake, or you might have been spoof without realizing it.

I got spoof once 2 years ago when i got an email saying my password is expiring to relog again, it looks like it was an original email from yahoo, so i try to log on but I couldn't i kept getting the message page unavailable. Like others have already mentioned try to run spybot, and send me a pm, I have a malware program I can give you.

The next day some of my friends emails saying they got some spam mail from me, i recalled what happened, I went back to my yahoo account and changed my password, so it took a couple of weeks before it fades.

I have a dear friend whose account was hacked, she lost her TOTAL ID, the spamer/hacker even changer her password and take over the account and there was nothing yahoo tech support could do about it, she had to create a new email iD, and needless to say she lost all her references and info save on her email account.

GO TO YOUR ACCOUNT AND CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

Be careful when trying to find spyware removal software - some of them are worthless.

Ad-aware is the best free version around.

http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

One you install it, do a full system scan which may take 40 minutes, but it should find the trojan.

Let me know how it goes.

Adaware isn't too good anymore, IMHO. I would go with Superantispyware for something free, and also Malywarebytes AntiMalware for the more serious stuff. These are used by the local computer repair shops in my area. And if you are more tech savy, Combofix may be the best of all.

Try using a spyware detector I use spybot search and destoy

No longer up to par. It will get the easy stuff but there are other free programs that are much better.