Changing your DNS settings (AKA, combatting DNSChanger)

[Flechmen 0]

I don't have DNSchanger, but I'm pretty sure this is what's going on.

Basically, this is what DNSchanger does, except we'll be doing it by hand and changing our settings to something that isn't malicious.

Overall, this is actually a good practice for anyone to do. OpenDNS can prevent a lot of problems down the road.

 

If you're on Windows XP:

Click "Start"

Click "Control Panel"

Click "Change to Classic View" if you have to

Click "Network Connections"

Find the connection you're using.. probably "Local Area Connection #" where # is a number. If you're using wireless, it'll show a wireless icon. Whichever one says its connected basically.. Right click on it, and click "Properties"

On the window that comes up, click the "Properties" button.

Click on "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" and click the "Properties" button.

Now you should see a window that shows some DNS server settings and IP address settings.

Click the button that's next to "Use the following DNS server addresses"

If this is already selected, erase whatever is there.

Change whatever is there or put in the boxes the following:

Primary: 208.67.222.222

Secondary: 208.67.220.220

This will put you on OpenDNS which is a security network.

Click the "OK" buttons on everything and you should be all set

Here's a picture: http://ScrnSht.com/xojxmw

 

If you're on Vista or 7:

Click the "Start" button

Type into the search box "Network"

Click on "Network and Sharing Center"

Click "Change Adapter Settings"

Find the connection you're using, it will probably be the only one listed as being connected. Double click on it.

On the window that comes up, click the "Properties" button.. it will ask you to run it as an administrator.

Click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP)"

Click the "Properties" button

Click the button next to "Use the following DNS server addresses" if it is not clicked already. If it is clicked already, delete whatever is in those boxes.

In the boxes type in the following:

Primary: 208.67.222.222

Secondary: 208.67.220.220

This will put you on OpenDNS which is a security network.

Click the "OK" buttons on everything and you should be all set

 

Here's a picture: http://ScrnSht.com/uqbraa

[Guest Wolfin]

DNSchanger used malicious DNS servers to replace ads with ones the authors would collect on.. but, the plan backfired due to early detection and they got nothing

 

Various users still got screwed tho

[Flechmen 0]

Yes, I don't remember if it's DNSChanger or something else but either the FBI or Microsoft and Kaspersky Labs controls the servers right now, but they're wanting to shut them down, which is why Google is giving users error messages to tell them to fix their stuff.