avbs wrote:

> When I start my XP based computer I get an unwanted menu down the side
> of the
> desktop advertising everything from prescription drugs to dating. I
> can't
> find any new loaded program to delete. It has a "close" button which
> closes
> it, but it's back on the desktop when I reload. It dosn't have any
> other
> "help" or "uninstall" feature. I can't even tell what it's name is to
> look
> for it in my explore. How do I get rid of it? I have Norton
> anti-virus and
> Microsoft Anti-spyware. Neither saw it or stopped it from loading
> into my system.

You definitely have malware on the system. Unless a program is a virus,
NAV will not stop you from installing non-viral malware. MSAS will not
prevent you from installing something dodgy either. You have to
practice Safe Hex (see links at end of post).

Go through these general malware removal steps systematically. Note that
the instructions say to do everything with updated tools in Safe Mode.

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

And here are some sites with information to help you stay safe online:

http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html
http://www.aumha.org/a/parasite.htm - The Parasite Fight
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_R...:_Introduction
http://www.spywareguide.com/index.php

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"