Google search results redirected to advertising page

Viruses and worms
1

When I click on a search on Google I am redirected to a different page.
I have run Avast scans but have not fixed the problem.
I am not very knowledgeable about all this.
The scan comes up saying unable to scan boot record.
Thanks.
–Kathy

2

avast may not be aware of the problem as it could be outside of your system, google is now starting to get some redirects due to malformed URLs crafted to do this. Though it would be strange if it happened on every google link, is that what is happening ?

What scan are you doing to generate this error ?
Can you try the scan again and copy the full text of the error displayed.

There are many legitimate reasons that a file can’t be scanned, but you specifically mention “unable to scan boot record” which isn’t one that I’m familiar with in avast.

What browser are you using ?

3

What type of advertizing page are you going to? Is it like an website , a Big AD?

4
When I click on a search on Google I am redirected to a different page.

Are you running Google toolbar?
What other browser details can you provide?

5

I suggest:

  1. Clean your temporary files.
  2. Schedule a boot time scanning with avast with archive scanning turned on. If avast does not detect it, you can try DrWeb CureIT! instead.
  3. Use MBAM (or SUPERantispyware or even Spyware Terminator) to scan for spywares and trojans. If any infection is detected, better and safer is send the file to Quarantine than to simple delete them.
  4. Test your machine with anti-rootkit applications. I suggest avast! antirootkit or Trend Micro RootkitBuster.
  5. Make a HijackThis log to post here or this analysis site. Or even submit the RunScanner log to to on-line analysis.
  6. Clean your Hosts file (replacing it) with HostsMan tool.
  7. Disable System Restore and then reenable it again.
  8. Immunize your system with SpywareBlaster.
  9. Check if you have insecure applications with Secunia Software Inspector.