question about viruses

[yoshi_yoshi]

So I opened up PokerNOW to deposit for the bonus, and it loads Internet Explorer, which then somehow gives me a whole bunch of malware (probably because I don't have the security settings correct, I don't use IE much). The problem is I am playing in a bunch tourneys and it would be majorly unprofitable if I took the time to clean my computer.

The malware has installed several programs on my hard drive, put about 10 new icons on my desktop named "Download MP3s" etc., and also popped up an IE browser every 30 seconds or so. (I stopped this by renaming IE explorer). However, I know there are still some bad processes still running because every time I end the particular processes it reappears.

Anyways, the question: how dangerous is it for me to leave this stuff running while I finish up my tourneys (could be several hours)? Tourneys are in the 50-100 range.

Thanks.