Recently I’ve learned that my automatic updates on my system are disabled and will not let me turn them on.In addition my computer is being bombarded by pop-ups.I run MSE(Microsoft Security Essentials) as my anti-virus and after a small inspection I found that it had detected a few new Trojans and quarantined them.But, I’m guessing that some spyware managed to slip by and infiltrate my system.I did a full scan and it didn’t detect anything else.

My question is,since I know the exact date that this happened,would the appropriate action be a system restore to a few days prior? Is there any risk to my ID by doing one?

Or is there a (free) spyware removal program that is effectual against such a tenacious infection?
(I use Windows XP)

Thank you in advance

[spammers will be reported]

Best answer:

Answer by heebus_jeebus
Since you believe that you know *exactly* when this happened, system restore may work in this case, but keep in mind that system restore is not the preferred method of solving this problem.

However, the infection may have gotten into your restore files and will likely restore itself.

I would suggest that you download, update, and run a quick scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and a full system scan with Superantispyware.

> Malwarebytes Anti-Malware: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
> Superantispyware: http://www.superantispyware.com

If after scanning and removal the problem reappears, then you’ll know that the infection was in your restore files.
In this case, turn off your system restore, rescan and remove, restart your computer, and turn system restore back on.

> How to turn off system restore: http://www.pchell.com/virus/systemrestore.shtml

Additionally, a lot of new malware is messing with Internet Explorer, which is how your computer gets your Windows updates.

After removing the infection you may have to reset IE to its default configurations, like so:

Open Internet Explorer, then
Tools > Internet Options > Advanced
at the bottom of that page you will see “Reset Internet Explorer Settings”
click reset.

Good Luck

Edit: AVG suggested below is popular, but not very good.
I don’t know if MSE will conflict with another antivirus or not, but if you replace MSE, whatever you do, don’t replace it with AVG !

(I use and recommend Avast).
> Avast Free v5: http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!