help!! Retard with a computer problem!!

Hey people, I have what I suspect to be a big problem.
Here's the deal, I just started playing online, about 3 days ago. I had this problem of popups slowing my system to the point I would unintentionally fold due to taking too much time. A friend of mine tells me to download a pop-up blocker, I download the suggested program, and the problem is largely taken care of.
I am able to play interruption free.
Then anther twist is thrown, now desktop icons are on my desktop that I have no part in. I run ad-aware and spy bot S&D each day before going online(which is at 3 days total now.)
When I run adaware it takes these desktop icons off, But they reappear in a matter of minutes. I am getting constant messages about needing to patch my pc and how it will not boot next time due to spyware on the hard drive.

This is causing big problems now because, for one, the popups are back in a big way. They even popup when I'm not online, the icons do the same, hooked to the net or not.

I intend to play poker for my main source of income and play live 3 to 4 times a week, but it doesn't hold a candle to online in my book as I'm somewhat easy to read.

Anyways being nearly computer illiterate, my third day on the net except for at work, this could cause me unmanageable difficulties, it has taken me ten minutes to type this because of popups. Two sentences ago, a message told me my comp will not boot next time without urgent patching, whatever that means.


HELP!!!!!!!!

Cambraceres

[DeuceKicker]

Download Hijackthis from www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html (http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html)

Save the log and post it to any number of tech support boards that deal with HJT logs. (castlecops is one, but there are quite a few)

Apparantly adaware and such aren't successfully removing the spyware. Try booting into safe mode (hit F8 repeatedly while the computer is rebooting). Run adaware in there. Make sure you have the latest version of adaware (1.6 IIRC) and the latest definitions.

You could also try installing two other free programs that might help: Microsoft Antispyware beta and zonealarm. MS Antispyware provides constant monitoring of the system. Zonealarm monitors your internet connection to make sure that nothing can successfully get out without your approval. It's helpful in diagnosing spyware problems because it lets you know the name of the process that is trying to sneak out on the net.

Retard here,
Thanks for your wonderful responses. I attempted to get MS antispyware, but the website required a validation of the operating system, I think mine is pirated but can't say because it was fixed by a friend after an unfortunate incident with a hacker 2 years ago.
In any event, I am quite concerned about the deleterious effect this will have if left unresolved by way of my technical ineptitude. I have an employee who may be able to help, but I suspect better help could be found here.

If anyone has any more meaningful suggestions or amendations for those already made I am all ears.

The idea of running ad-aware in safe mode is intriguing, but quite possibly beyond the present scope of my capabilities.

My deepest thanks,
Cambraceres

Actually, running adaware in safe mode is quite easy. Safe mode is just a way for windows to start that prevents all of the drivers and programs from starting up. Normally, no spyware can take control of your system while you're in safe mode.

So, reboot your computer. Wait about 2 seconds, and then start hitting F8... hit it maybe once per second until you see the Safe Mode menu come up. Choose safe mode, and then windows will start up like normal... minus drivers and programs. Then, run adaware, and reboot.

If you have trouble getting into safe mode, just reboot and try again (I hit F8 at the wrong time sometimes too).

Hello again, I have followed your kind advice but still have these popups and extra programs crippling the quality and I fear security of my online experience. I ran ad aware and spybot s&d in safe mode but, normally ad aware will take the desktop icons away for a few minutes tops, but in safe mode they did not go away at all. They were also present upon rebooting in normal mode.

Am I doing something wrong here, surfing the net wrong?

If this is even believable, this computer has never been on any porn or file sharing site, it has been on about 15 sites total, 3 for playing poker, this site,(there jenna jamison just popped up)and also to check email, weather and news. And of course the ubiquitous, answer machine google.

What should I do

PLEASE don't tell me I may have to seek professional help!

Thank again

Cambraceres

[DeuceKicker]

Has your homepage changed? If you type in a wrong website, does it take you to a strange search portal?

Did you try installing microsoft antispyware beta yet?

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx