Please, look at my files

ROOTKIT REVEALER

Please download Rootkit Revealer

Unzip it to your desktop.

Open the rootkitrevealer folder and double-click rootkitrevealer.exe

Click the Scan button (bottom right)
It may take a while to scan (don't do anything while it's running - leave the PC idle while scanning)

When it's done, go up to File > Save. Choose to save it to your desktop.

Open rootkitrevealer.txt and either paste it here, or preferably attach the file

I'm so sorry, but this one doesn't even start.
When I click on RootkitRevealer.exe, Windows notifies me it "stopped working"...

I really don't know what to do with all that.

sorry, I am going to forward this link to somebody else.

I will keep an eye on the thread and help when I can.

thank you for your help, I really appreciate it.

I'm just not sure whether I should wait or re-install Windows. I heard there is no working anti-rootkit software for Vista 64bit...

Thanks again for trying.

well we proved that the hard way. Vista was supposed to be "rootkit proof"

Well, it isn't. And it was a clean installation from an original disc.

Do you think I should format and re-install?

And if yes, which anti-spyware/ anti-malware/ anti-virus software to invest in/ download?

It's just that I can't afford this computer to let me down, I need it for work...

Thanks a lot again!

Ideally you want 1 active anti-virus, 1 firewall, and a few anti-spyware

Firewall
Not many options out there for Firewall
I recommend Comodo - make sure you select the advanced option when you download it, It will be a pain at first while it learns your habits, but eventually it will settle down.

Anti-virus
For Anti-virus -> AVG Free is good /
If you are looking for paid protection -> Kaspersky received top marks with Vista

Anti-Spyware
You can run a combination of anti-spyware (these are all free)
-Spybot S&D (make sure you turn on Teatimer)
-Adaware 2007
-Superantispyware

You should also run a program to clean temp files regularly
-Ccleaner (check all boxes including advanced, except old prefetch data)

Thank you.

So are you for or against me formatting my drive and re-installing?
Just don't know if I should wait for more advice or not and I'm a bit afraid to use this computer...

I am absolutely for you formatting and doing a clean install.

If you do reinstall, don't forget to to go to start -> control panel -> windows update and make sure you get all the updates.

And make sure that Java is up to date Java 6 update 5 is the most current version

Thanks for all your time, and I really, really appreciate your help.

Busy night in front of me then...