I frequently get searches from Google or Bing where what looks like a straightforward web address gets modified in the browser to one where "doubleclick" has been added. These searches invariably fail: I get a plain white browser screen and a frustrated feeling! I know DoubleClick is a well-known spyware, but I can't seem to get rid of it. I am using Internet Explorer 8 and Kaspersky antivirus protection on a Sony laptop running Windows XP Pro SP3.
David Hunt
This is usually a spyware and/or adware problem, so run a good spyware remover, such as SuperAntiSpyware. The infection may well have changed your hosts file. You can change it back to the default Hosts file by going to Microsoft's Fix It 50267 page and clicking "Fix this problem".
Perhaps an even better answer is to go to the Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals site and download a Hosts file that also blocks a lot of advertisements. Where an advert would appear, you'll get a panel saying that your browser cannot find the site. Basically, your new Hosts file is redirecting these sites to 127.0.0.1, which is your own computer. For example, a line in Hosts that says 127.0.0.1 google.com will stop your browser from reaching Google.
By the way, DoubleClick is not spyware, it's an advertising service company that Google bought for $3.1bn. The ad-blocking hosts file should stop its ads from appearing.
