I can now only use my pc in safe mode.

If Hotmail works fine for you on other computers, then it is obviously either a problem with your computer or a problem with your home network (routers, modems, etc).

You are correct regarding the fact that leaving a partition on your computer could have preserved some sort of infection (that’s why I’m so against the recovery partitions that computer manufacturers are using these days).

Here’s what I recommend (backup all important data before proceeding):

1. Unless you are using only wireless internet, disconnect the cable that connects your infected computer from the internet.

2. (OPTIONAL) Use an uninfected computer to download and make a CD of the free GWSCAN utility available at the http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/search.asp?param=gwscan&st=kw webpage. Then use GWSCAN to “write zeros” to your computer’s hard drive. Writing zeros will totally erase all files from your computer. This will help to get rid of any infections that are on your computer. NOTE: skip this step if you must use your computer’s built-in system recovery tool.

3. It is best to reinstall Windows using either a Windows installation disc or system recovery disc(s). If you cannot find such discs, attempt to obtain them by contacting your computer’s manufacturer. To prevent your computer from becoming reinfected as you reinstall Windows, do not use any system recovery disc(s) created by your computer after infection. I strongly recommend you avoid using the built-in system recovery program that may be part of your computer (it might be infected). Nevertheless, you may have to use such a tool if you cannot obtain installation/recovery discs. Remember that writing zeros will probably delete all built-in system recovery tools from your computer.

4. If you use broadband internet (cable, DSL, etc.), your modem/routers may also be infected. Ask your internet service provider to help you reset your modem/routers to factory settings. This procedure is often called a “hard reset”. To prevent future infections, take this opportunity to ask your internet service provider how to make your modem/routers as secure as possible.

5. Next, reconnect your computer to the internet and apply all Windows security updates (including the latest Service Pack for your version of Microsoft Windows).

6. Now install security software, such as Kaspersky Internet Security 2009, and run a scan of your entire computer to confirm that your computer is both uninfected and secure.

7. As an extra precaution, “flash” your computer’s BIOS. Provide us with the brand and model number of your computer and/or contact the manufacturer of your computer to obtain more information about this.

8. Now that you’ve successfully reinstalled Windows, reinstall all of your favorite programs.

9. Scan the backup files that you created earlier. Copy ONLY uninfected files to your computer’s internal hard drive.

PS: You can switch from Microsoft Windows to a more secure operating system, such as Mac OS X or Ubuntu Linux.

Does this help?

So you’re saying even after doing a fresh installation of Windows you’re still having the problem? Are you installing anything first, like for example the programs mentioned in that thread:

Browser Optimizer Dcads
Contextual Tool Dcads
Viewpoint Manager (Remove Only)
Viewpoint Media Player

So I think i’ll remove the files from the registry and install Lavasoft app and go from there, will pick a best answer soon.

However, the problem you describe has occurred on my clients’ Linux (immune to most spyware) and Apple Mac OS X (immune to most spyware) computers as well their Microsoft Windows computers. Especially if your security software reports no infections on your computer, I feel that it is safe to blame Hotmail.

Regarding which security programs are the best… I hate to disagree with a fellow geek such as Mark, but I feel that the best free programs out there are http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html (anti everything) and http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-pc-security-free-firewall.htm (firewall). The best all-in-one security program is called Kaspersky Internet Security 2009. It costs money, but is much more powerful than any free security program of which I am aware.

I agree with Mark that Firefox is much better than Internet Explorer. Remember also that Google’s Gmail is much more secure that Microsoft’s Hotmail.

Thanks!

If you’re using IE7, here are some instructions to take a look at that might help get rid of it.

http://www.360n.com/remove_yoog.htm

I’d also suggest you install and run on a regular basis the following free programs:

Spybot S&D: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
Adware: http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

If you don’t have a current anti-virus program:
http://free.avg.com/

I’d also suggest switching to Firefox to help mitigate some of issues you’re running into.

Beyond all this yourself and anyone else that uses your computer should always be cautious about the sites you browse and the files you download from the internet. Let me know if you find this information helpful.

In my experience, Google Gmail is much more secure than Hotmail. Would you be willing to switch to Gmail?

I look forward to receiving your response.