Re: Microsoft is running a disreputable spyware outfit

From: Daniel Crichton (msnews_at_worldofspack.co.uk)
Date: 10/31/05 

Date: Mon, 31 Oct 2005 12:39:00 -0000

Susan wrote on 31 Oct 2005 00:46:12 -0800:

> By logging into hotmail on a new system I found out that Microsoft is
> running a disreputable spyware program which pops up targeted adware on
> your Windows PC some time AFTER you view web pages. HOW DO WE PREVENT
> MICROSOFT FROM INFECTING OUR PC?
>
> On a brand new PC, I noticed that EVERY time I visit a hotmail page the
> message comes up (which I cancel every time):
> ---------------------------------------
> Opening ADSAdClient31.dll
> You have chosen to open
> ADSAdClient31.dll
> which is a: Application Extension
> from http://rad.msn.com

If you read the link that Karl Levinson provided, you should note the bold
text items. What has happened is that you have been infected by something
else that has set up rad.msn.com in your hosts file to point to a non-MS
site that attempts to download that DLL. MS isn't trying to force anything
on you - you're a victim of something else that takes advantage of anyone
who subsequently tries to access a Hotmail account.

Dan

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