Was I hacked or something else?

Your computer probably has a Smitfraud infection. Follow the procedure and use the recommended RogueFix tool to remove it.

http://www.internetinspiration.co.uk/roguefix.htm

And if RogueFix doesn't work, give the free specialised removal tool, SmitfraudFix a crack at it:

http://siri.urz.free.fr/Fix/SmitfraudFix_En.php

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These trojans sneak into your computer by:

WMF exploit. An image vulnerability in un-patched Windows systems

Phony Codec. Codecs usually for Windows Media player to allow a short movie clip.

DigiKeygen, Digipass, PornMag Pass, x password manager, various utilities to allow porn sites to be viewed

Java exploit. A vulnerability in out dated versions of Java software.

Visiting Cool Web Search web sites

P2P file sharing programs (Limewire etc)

Deceptive advertisements and Sponsored ads displayed on Search engine results.

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Other side effects may include:

Windows features disabled.

Security settings lowered or disabled.

Pop ups for sub-standard security products, gambling or adult websites

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Closing those fake alert boxes, only infects your computer more. The "X" is rigged to download a trojan, not close the pop-up (alert) box! The only way to safely avoid them is to kill Internet Explorer completely with Task Manager.

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This Smitfraud is all over the internet these days thanks to the organized internet crime gangs in Russia and its former colonies. Do a Google or Wikipedia on "Russian Business Network" for more info.

Good luck.

No, you weren't Hacked in the traditional sense. But while surfing the web, "bad" websites secretly download spyware and virus's to your computer. And by leaving a computer connect to a modem 24/7 you are actually more open to attacks. So basically it sounds like you just got a bad case of spyware attacks. Run Adaware 3 or 4 times and it will eliminate 90% of the problem if not all 100% To be extra certain, run a full system virus scan and make sure your fire wall is turned on!

Yes you have been infected with a virus, spy ware, Trojan horse.

You can run a full system scan for these but they are hard to get rid of. Some times its better to just reinstall the operating system and start fresh, make sure you are using a good security and never turn off the fire wall and virus and spy ware protection. I use Norton Internet Security 2008, have used NIS for years with very good results. Never click on a sight or pop up that you do not know or trust.

You probably have a trojan virus, it sneaks into your computer from a download(just like the Greeks snuck into Troy.)

Buy an anti-virus program like Norton or McAfee, and download Ad Aware, its a free, exellent program to remore spyware.

Remember to ALWAYS close an ad from the taskbar(the line at the bottom that displays what is running), NEVER close an ad from the "x" button, people can remove the X and replace it with a fake, or they can program the x button to install or display something.

You probably have a virus, sounds like a trojan. I would also be skeptical about entering passwords or any sensitive info. I would run a thorough virus scan and if you can't kill it, you might want to reformat your hard drive like you mentioned.

sounds like you may have gotten some spyware or a virus.

chances are you have one or more viruses. Install Avast free home edition from Avast.com and scan for viruses

you could have spyware, virus, torjan horses and keyloggers invaded your computer