Assuming you're running Windows, and base my recommendations on this assumption (in prior posts, you've mentioned
XP). Number one...enable Windows' firewall. Number two...install and keep updated
either Microsoft Security Essentials or Avira Free. Both are pretty good at detection
and removal of malware, I presently use MSSE, seems to be a bit lighter on resource
usage, and doesn't slow down my XP systems. Finally, number three...download
MalwareByte's Antimalware...I use the free version, and normally do weekly manual
scans after updating the database. While a manual scan seems like work, you can
start the scan and do other tasks while it is running.

Try re-posting in the Q&A
section.The 'Discussion' forum is for matters of general discussion, not specific problems in search of a solution. The 'Water Cooler' is for non-technical discussions. You can submit a question to 'Q&A' here:

http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/questions/post?tag=mantle_skin;content

There are TR members who specifically seek out problems in need of a solution. Although there is some overlap between the forums, you'll find more of those members in 'Q&A' than in 'Discussions' or 'Water Cooler'.

Be sure to use the voting buttons to provide your feedback. Voting a '+' does not necessarily mean that a given response contained the complete solution to your problem, but that it served to guide you toward it. This is intended to serve as an aid to those who may in the future have a problem similar to yours. If they have a ready source of reference available, perhaps won't need to repeat questions previously asked and answered. If a post did contain the solution to your problem, you can also close the question by marking the helpful post as "The Answer". .