Step 1 - Back up your important files, but remember to scan these files for viruses before reinstalling to avoid accidentally re-infecting your system.

Step 2 - Update your anti-virus definitions and perform a scan of your hard drive.

If you don't carry virus protection, or you suspect your anti-virus software got corrupted somehow, then log on to www.pandasoftware.com and use free Panda Active Scan service to check your hard drive for viruses.

Follow instructions for quarantining and removing offending files.

Step 3 - Scan your hard drive with an adware, scumware, or spyware detection and removal tool like Adaware www.lavasoft.de/support/download/ or Spybot http://spybot.safer-networking.de/.

Step 4 - In many cases, when virus or spyware program gets installed with a free utility or game you download from Web, you must usually uninstall utility or game to finally get rid of problem once and for all.

Step 5 - Avoid re-infection by keeping your anti-virus and firewall up-to-date at all times.

As a last resort, if you run into a program you simply can't get rid of, but can figure out offending file's name, do a search for file name on Google.com. Often you will find you're not first victim and may get valuable advice for cleaning up your system.

However, be very careful of information you find and think twice before modifying any system files.