Is it ok to delete all .dat files i find on the computer? There has been ads that pop up out of nowhere (they dont come from browsing websites) on the computer (windows xp) and I think it might be spyware. I checked the properties of the ad and it says it's a .dat file. So would deleteing all .dat files on the computer be a solution to end the pop up ads problem?

NO! Don't delete any .dat files. What makes you think you have spyware/virus'?

Yes. Please do not delete any .dat files. It isn't particularly the greatest idea. I'd suggest downloading Spybot search and Destroy, Adaware, and the Microsoft Antispyware program. If these do not take tou your spyware then download Hijackthis and do a scan. Do not delete anything, just save the log and post it up on these forums. That way we can analyze it and help.

If you find your not infected try NoAds freeware it's a pretty simple popup blocker or try using firefox.

Do you have an antivirus, firewall and antispyware running on your system? What are the popup? Do they display "Win2005", or other type of ads?
Here is a short list of effective freeware thet we recommend here...


Antivirus (Run only one.)
AVG Free Edition Antivirus (I personally use)
Avast Home Edition Antivirus Freeware
AntiVir Personal Edition Classic Freeware
BitDefender 8 Free Edition

Antispyware
Microsoft AntiSpyware Beta (2000,and XP only)
Spybot
AdAware SE Personal Edition
Ewido Security Suite - 14 day trial(2000, and XP only)(Features)
A Squared Free
SpyBlaster
SpywareGuard

Trojan Removal Tool
Ewido Security Suite After a 14 day trial it will not scan automaticily(2000, and XP only)(Features)
A Squared Free

Online scans
Trendmicro's Housecall Internet Explorer Only
Trendmicro"s Housecall FoxFire Only
Panda's ActiveScan Internet Explorer Only
F-secure's Virus Scan Internet Explorer Only
SyGate's Trojan scan
eTrust Antivirus Web Scanner Internet Explorer Only

Removal Tools
Kaspersky Removal Tools
AVG Manual Virus Removal tool
MacAfee Stinger Virus Removal Tool
Symantec's Viurs Removal Tools
BitDefender Removal Tools Free

Firewalls(Run only one.)
Zone Alarm Free for Personal Use
SyGate Personal Free Edition (I personally use)
OutPost Firewall Free
Jetico Personal Free
Kerio Free Personal Firewall