hopefully this is the right place for this thread... seeing as it relates to the internet and security issues...my computer is a vostro 1400 running vista home basic edition.long story short, i ended up downloading a bad video codec, which then led to antivirus 2008 being installed on my computer, and unwanted porn desktop shortcuts. i used combofix to get rid of antivirus 2008, but the porn desktop shortcuts will not go away. everytime i put them in the trashcan and permanently delete them, a blank pop up (internet explorer) comes up and another shortcut appears on the desktop. after running combofix again, the shortcuts are not associated with any program, but i'd really like to get rid of them... i don't exactly want that on my computer. i also tried removing the codec through the control panel, but of course the codec was not listed. are there any solutions you guys can think of, or programs that i should use? i don't know much about this kind of stuff, so any help wd be appreciated!

Halz Irecommend that you go to the following website. AumHa Forums View forum - Parasites - Adware, Spyware & Other Scumware: http://www.aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=28 Click the Register link at the top of the page to join the forums. (Free) Start a new thread and describe the history of these problems, including as much information as possible. The moderators on that forum specialize in removing spyware and virus infections and they are very good at this. If this post helps to resolve your issue, click the Mark as Answer button at the top of this message.By marking a post as Answered, you help others find the answer faster. Ronnie Vernon Microsoft MVP Windows Desktop Experience

Hi Halz, Please understand that this forum is not the best resource for removing virus. For this kind of issues, youmay contact your antivirus vendor for assistance with identifying or removing virus or worm infections. If you need more help with virus-related issues, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For support within the United States and Canada, call toll-free (866) PCSAFETY (727-2338). For support outside the United States and Canada, visit the Product Support Services Web page (http://support.microsoft.com/?pr=SecurityHome). Thank you for your understanding. In addition, here are some articles on hacking for your reference: Help: I Got Hacked. Now What Do I Do? http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/secmgmt/sm0504.mspx Help: I Got Hacked. Now What Do I Do? Part II http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/secmgmt/sm0704.mspx How A Criminal Might Infiltrate Your Network http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag/issues/2005/01/AnatomyofaHack/default.aspx Malicious Software Removal Tool http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx The Day After: Your First Reponse To A Security Breach http://www.microsoft.com/technet/technetmag/issues/2005/01/IncidentResponse Get a free safety scan for your computer http://www.microsoft.com/protect/products/computer/safetyscanner.mspx Hope it helps.