> My ultimate plan is to buy a new computer this
> year, and destroy the stupid e-machine with a
> shotgun and shovel.

Problem #1 is buying an e-Machines machine. They're cheap up-front, but have absolutely lousy build quality. Some of your slow-downs could be caused by the toothpicks and bubble gum they use to build their machines. If you need a PC, save up for a Dell or Sony or something like that.

Can't blame the spyware issue on them, though. Much of that can be laid directly on Microsoft, for having facilitated the creation of a rather lax and insecure computing environment in the first place.

Beyond that... I'd suggest getting a Mac. You can get an entry-level one for really cheap these days, and any Mac will be usable for longer than an equivalently-priced Windows PC - making the cost/value proposition much more palatable.

I use Macs on a daily basis, and download software all the time without giving it a thought (and without any anti-virus or anti-spyware software installed). Never had a problem along those lines. Even when I worked at PNNL for around 2 years, I can count only 3-4 machines total that ever came down with viruses.

...

As an aside, I wouldn't be taking my money to 'computer guys' on a regular basis for stuff like this. The best thing you can do is re-format your hard-drive and re-install all of your software from scratch, being extra careful to read the EULA's of any 3rd party software you install (which is where a lot of adware/spyware comes from). Then, copy your documents back over.

It's a bit time consuming, but will save you money - and it's a good skill to know anyhow, as computer repair companies will charge you an arm and a leg for what is essentially a customer-do-able service.

I totally agree with the e-machine. I really like the sony laptops, but they're pretty spendy. Then again, it might be a good investment. I haven't totally decided what I want to do yet. I'd like to have a PC so I can download and watch my movies (as I have been doing), but a laptop has it's usefulness too.

I'm not to the point where I'll reformat my hard-drive. It's not that bad yet. (laughs) It's just irritating. I'm really disappointed in Norton. I thought it was a top of the line antivirus program, but it's crapped out on me twice. I really like Spydoctor and Ad-Aware, though I only have the free versions...

As for a Mac, I like the machines, but I'm not to sure how compatible they are with some of the stuff I do (movie down loads and such which make up a large part of my computer usage.) I do know that they are fantastic for working in Photoshop and stuff like that...

Active X is a horrible little bugger. Microsoft made it so that they could better streamline entertainment content for their web browser, but it ended up being the #1 way for spyware to be installed on people's computers. Uninstalling Active X practically destroys any IE-only page that is heavily dependent on the program, and toning down its security settings only causes annoying popup messages asking if you want to allow the content.

So your sister recommended Hijack This!, did she? She was right that deleting the registries that the program finds can really screw up your computer even worse. HT is a really hard core program, and people who use it must really know what they're doing. The best thing to do is to run a Hijack This! search, save a log of what it found, and then post that log on a site where experts can look at that log and let you know how to get rid of those deeply-embedded pieces of spyware.

If you want, I suggest going to the forums at SpywareInfo.com (you'll need to register on their messageboard for free). Find the correct subforum, and create a new post explaining your problem and then add your entire Hijack This! log inside the post. Someone on the boards who knows what he's doing will look at the log and help you out.

I did this with my parent's desktop computer, which had a crapload of spyware deep down in its darkest depths, and the computer has been running smoothly ever since. The people who run this site are fantastic - they are actually the ones who helped me cleaned up my laptop in the first place back when it had enough garbage to fill a landfill in China. If it doesn't work out...then I hope you pick a nice new computer. I recommend a Dell.

As an aside, I also recommend defragmenting your hard drive every month or so; it really can improve your computer's performance noticeably.

Oh, and thanks for the welcome. It's good to be back. :)

Just thought that I would weigh in and note that getting a new PC really won't solve the problems associated with any of the spyware or viruses. I'd stick to mainstream spyware apps too (some of those labelled as spyware removal/destroyer apps are actually spyware well disguised).

The e-Machine isn't the best system out there, but Sony isn't making a more secure computer these days either. It's all about the operating system (Windows). Though it pains me to say this, I don't know if I would go with a Mac for you. You already know the apps you want to use and are familiar with the backwards MS Windows codec system. One thing I can tell you is that regardless of which computer you get, or what you do with this one, if you don't do relatively weekly Windows Updates, and updates to your Virusware apps, and set up at least Window's included firewall... you are opening the door to huge problems. I've learned that first-hand from working with my parents PC.

Microsoft is also offering free spyware and virusware apps right now (a prelude to their entry into this software market), which you probably can't download without IE. Sadly, it makes the most sense to use these sort of apps from the OS designer because they know about viruses and how to patch them first. They also have the bennefit of knowing their own engineering blueprint to be proactive (not a Microsoft related word) about fixing potential problems before they start.

As for your current situation, save what you can, reformat, make certain to update weekly (Windows Automatic Updates just plain doesn't work properly on most computers so you will have to do this manually to be sure, it's easy though). Update to at least Service Pack 2 with Win XP... trust me, I did that with my parents PC months ago and it has significantly cut down on a lot of your issues on their system.

After you reformat, go out and get yourself a copy of McAfee's internet Security Suite (included spyware app) for like 50 bux and update it regularly. Why? Because I've actually reformatted a PC before with a virus so advanced it carried over the format!

Unfortunately with a PC, you have to do ALL the security work yourself no matter how old or new it is. You really have to screen downloads too. A lot of people don't realize they are spreading viruses in file sharing, and Peer to Peer programs like the Bit Torrent-esque apps are the epicenter of spyware and viruses online.

Of course if you want your problems to go away the Mac Mini is only 600 bucks with a CD burner.

Yeah, I know a new computer won't solve spyware and virus issues. I want a new computer because emachines are pieces of trash and so are their "customer un-service" people. (laughs) Don't worry J, I plan on having you help me when the time comes to buy a new one...(insert evil laughter here).

I should buy some books and read up on this computer stuff. Like Jeff said, knowing even just a little bit can be a big help, and when it comes to this stuff, I know nothing.

Thanks Arxane for the link. I'll give it a try. I didn't delete anything from the log I got of HT. I'm wondering what my sister did when she installed it on my mom's computer (cringe). I'll have someone take a look at it and tell me what's up.

You guys are great! Thanks for all the help!