Recently there's been an increase in the number of people calling to report "virus" issues with their computers. Several FAKE programs (Windows Antivirus 2009, XP Antivirus, etc.) are out there which supposedly scan your computer, detect dozens of viruses and trojans, and then ask for money to fix them. Beware. They're not real programs.. But their presence means one thing:  You're already infected.

 

For a growing list of malicious and junk programs disguised to look like the real deal, click here: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
 
Here are some removal tools which may assist in the removal of various trojans, malware and rouge applications. Please note that this office makes no guarantee of the suitability of these applications for your particular incident, and provides no telephone-based technical support for the installation or use of these tools. Should you encounter problems which you cannot overcome at home, you are encouraged to contact our office to schedule a computer clean-up.
 
http://techsupport.emily.net/toolbox/MalwareBytes.exe - MalwareBytes Anti-Malware. Install and run this program first. Support for the program can be found in the Help file or by visiting the forums at http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
 
http://www.ccleaner.com/download/downloading CCleaner. Use this program second, to clean up excess clutter in the computer. This will make further scanning much quicker. Support can be obtained at www.CCleaner.com
 
http://files.spybot.info/spybotsd160.exe - Spybot Search & Destroy v1.6 can be used to clean up residual spyware and pieces of trojans, downloaders and other threats. Spybot can be installed with optional levels of system protection, including TeaTimer which actively monitors changes to key areas of your computer, and prompts you with a Yes/No option to allow or deny them. Simply install Spybot Search & Destroy, and download all relevant updates.  Immunize the system, and then scan for problems.  Spybot will give you the opportunity to quarantine what it finds.  Support can be found at www.Spybot.info
 
Again, all of these programs are use-at-your-own-risk and it is strongly advised that you read the documentation provided with these tools to properly understand their use and operation. Be aware that these links are provided as a convenience and courtesy and I assume no responsibility for any undesired consequences of your use of these programs, which may include (but are not limited to) loss of data, loss of network commmunications, damage to the Operating System or other problems not mentioned here.
 
Once you have cleaned up the threats on your computer, you should be sure to use the built-in Windows Update function on your computer, or by visiting http://www.update.microsoft.com on a regular basis. In addition, it is advised that you install, maintain and update a good-quality antivirus program on your computer. AVG Antivirus is an economical choice, and a free version of this program can be found at http://free.grisoft.com/download-file-ins-afe for your convenience.