Since I can't come by and work on your machine, here is what I've been doing and suggest:
*) Install Ad-Aware SE Personal:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
Download, install and update the FREE (personal) version but don't scan yet
*) Install SpyBOt S&D:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
Download, install, and update the FREE version but don't scan yet
*) Panda Software Free anti-virus scan:
http://www.pandasoftware.com/home/default.asp
I suggest using the free online scan, download the small program to your computer, start the check and then UNPLUG from the internet. When it is finished running plug back in for results.
*) If you're using Windows XP and have SP2 installed, disable the Windows firewall after installing the FREE version of ZoneAlarm:
http://www.zonelabs.com/
Download and install this, unless you have another third party firewall installed. If you're not using XP, I suggest installing ZoneAlarm anyway.
*) Install AVG, Free anti-virus software:
http://www.grisoft.com/
Download, install, and update it but don't scan yet. If you have other anti-virus software installed, update it if you haven't done so already.
When all of the above is installed, boot your machine into "Safe Mode" and start scanning for viruses and spyware/malware using your anti-virus software, Ad-Aware, and SpyBot S&D. Once they have cleaned up what they can, boot normally and run all three to see what is found. If running Windows XP or 98, run "msconfig" (click "Start" then "Run" and type "msconfig") and click the "selective startup" option and UNCHECK loading of the startup items. Then reboot and rescan using all of the above tools.
*) Download and install HiJack This:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=3155
When all of THAT is done, run a Windows Update to pull down the latest Windows changes and then do another rescan using all your new tools to make sure all is well. After doing all of that, try to stop using Internet Explorer for web browsing and Outlook Express for e-mail management, if you use those tools. You can leave them installed but don't use them and your future malware issues should be reduced dramatically.
Additionally, check these sites:
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php
http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php
http://www.private.org.il/harvest.html
http://stealthtests.lockdowncorp.com/
http://www.grc.com/su-bondage.htm
There are other things I suggest learning about how they function on your computer and how to clear them regularly: Sun Java Console, Active X and the Disk Clean Up Tool.
Good luck!
Kalli Beari
WALKERS!
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