My spyware removal tools shuts down when I start them. Also when I search on any browser and any engine for spyware removal the browser shuts down. Sam eif I write a messge in outlook with spyware removal mentioned in the sugject line or body. the only tool that works is Yahoo toolbar and I get a browser helper trojan but it always comes back. Any advice on how to get rid of this?

Have you disabled system restore and rebooted into safe mode? Would also be good to know what anti-spyware you are using? Yahoo Toolbar has an anti-spy built into it. See if you can go to www.auditmypc.com and run the tests.

I have tried Adaware, Spybot and can't download Microsoft's tool. When I try to download it the browser closes. When I search on syyware removal the browser closes. I have never tried system restore ever actually. I didn't bother with botting in safe mode but will give that a try this eve. Do I have to disable system restore to reboot in safe mode. I never do. Just wondering if I missed something along the years. I never heard of disabling system restore to reboot in safe mode. Thanks for the response.

System restore files are a great place for the malware to hide. In order to clean them and stop them from coming back every time you start your system, you have to turn system restore off and restart the computer. The system restore files are protected and therefore no antivirus, antispyware or antitrojan program can clean, repair or delete them. It is generally the first step one needs to take to clean a system of any nasties. HTH

Ahhhhhhh I just did some searching and there is no system restore with Win 2000 Pro. I am wondering if I should run the setup from the disk and run the repair option. Any comments??

I just did some searching and there is no system restore with Win 2000 Pro How To Use the Backup Program to Back Up and Restore the System State in Windows 2000 i_XpUser