How Do I Remove CWS and WebSearch Toolbar?

This is my first post here on this forum. Let me start off by saying hello to all.
I have a problem with my computer that I cannot seem to fix. Apparently I have been infected with the Cool Web Search trojan and a few of its variants, namely: CWS, CWS- AboutBlank, CWS sp.html hijack, and WebSearch ToolBar.

I have the most recent version of SpySweeper installed, and it says it quarantines the spyware, but nope! How in the world do I get this stuff off of my computer? I mean geez, this stuff is very bothersome....I pray that maybe someday God places me in a dark alley alone with the creator(s) of these malicious little programs....

(Sidebar)- hehehe, apparently SpySweper may not remove the programs, but it seems to be frustrating the mess out of them,....seems the trojans are angry I am here trying to get help, but spysweeper will not let them hijack my browser.....BWAAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HA HA HA.

Guys (and girls too!) If ye have any suggestions on how to get rid of this stuff once and for all, PLEASE HELP ME! FRATGUY SHALL BE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL TO ALL WHO HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Also, I have this stinky little bugger called "AutoComplete" that appears from time to tims as a box on screen...I merely just close the box as I am unsure of what would happen if I do anything with it. Is this a part of the CWS or WebSearch spyware? How do I crush this little bug? Once again, any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

ARRRRRGH!
The stinking CWS I have WILL NOT allow mw to download CWShredder. It also re-directs me everytime I try to update Explorer. WHAT DO I DO??? PLEEASE SOMEONE HELP ME!!!!

 

Welcome to Major Geeks.
If you haven't already done so, please read our first line of defense.

READ ME FIRST: Basic Spyware, Trojan And Virus Removal

Hijack This Tutorial And How To Post Your Log File

Now, for your issue of it redirecting you when you go to download the program; instead of opening IE , try opening a windows explorer window and typing the url in the address bar there. See how it goes.

 

Kodo:
I have installed the latest updates (I am running Windows 98).

I however, cannot figure out how to disable system restore, I feel this might be trapping the scumware and ressurrecting it everytime I reboot.

Same goes for network security service:how do I locate it within Windows 98? Furthermore- How do I disable it?

I was able to enable the viewing of normally hidden files.

Can I start windows 98 from safe mode? if so how do I do it? I have a partition commander that comes up before Win 98 boots....if that makes any difference.

Should I try an online virus sweep? I tried yesterday, but it would take me to the about:blank page and not allow the scan.

I have downloaded and ran ccleaner.

I have downloaded about:buster and ran it (although it keeps coming back!- immediately after it finishes scanning!)

Any help would be appreciated!

 

Well...*fratguy looks down at ground kicking at an imaginary rock*..um, this is a 6 yr old computer, bought around 1998 or so. I am trying to fix it so my nephews can use it for school, anyways...heres the deal,

I am running Windows 98 (although 95 was the original OS)
All critical updates and service paks have been updated through microsoft.com
This computer has partitioned hard drives and is running "System Commander"
which comes up right after you turn the computer on and before windows boots- how do I get windows to boot into safe mode from here? Hitting f8 does not seem to be working....
I ran the trendmicro online virus scan and it found a trojan:Startpag.ag
but said it was unfixable.
Everytime I run spysweeper it finds:
CoolWebSearch
CWS- AboutBlank
CWS sp.html hijack
WebSearch Toolbar

I also downloaded and ran the version of cwshredder you linked to in your last post- it found nothing.

I have downloaded about:buster and am ready to use it once I can get into safe mode

Now I can surf with the best of them, however I am not very proficient with computers. That's why I am here getting help from you guys (and I am very appreciative for the help I have recieved so far)

Would you reccommend I download hijack:this and post the log file here?
If so, I beg for your patience as you will most likely have to walk me through it. I just think that the only way to get rid of this stuff is to manually delete it through the registry- which I have NO experience doing...

Please let me know, I am at your command *snaps salute