Problem in Registry

When I ran MSCONFIG to go into reistry. I went into startup to check on a program or problem and I found a big one. The problem is my virus program did not pick this up nor did other free virus programs I tried online.
I am not very computer literate so here goes. This is what I found in startup.
This thing has symbol then 5 squares or blocks with other symbols then Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version.
Yesterday the thing had duplicated itself?
Last night I went in an did another virus scan of everything and went to startup and it had check marked itself to run on startup and then it had duplicated itself again. Only this time there were 9 blocks or squares with a Y at the end and then the Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version?
I have been reading about using an emergency disk to do a cold boot? and then run the anti-virus. I was stupid and did not make a disk?
I am really stumped. Also scared this thing is going to ruin a good computer.
If you need to know what my pc is let me know and I will post it. It is windows XP home edtiion and its a GAteway and I am on cable.
Thx any help would be appreciated.
My son pointed me your way, he says you are the best at solving problems!

 

Welcome to MG

Well I am sure that someone will correct me if I am wrong but I do not believe that MSCONFIG has anything to do with the registry MSCONFIG has to do with start up processes.

I am not exactly sure whats going on but I will get you started with a process to clean up your computer to help try and emlinate any spyware that may be infesting your computer.

First I would like you to do the following an if you have any problems or questions in doing this please make a note and post back. Also, anything you do not understand please ask us as we will be more then happy to help explain something in a different way for you as not everyone has the same knowledge when it comes to computers.

First, please follow ALL the steps in this Sticky thread READ ME FIRST BEFORE ASKING FOR SUPPORT: Basic Spyware, Trojan And Virus Removal

If you already have any of the programs linked in the tutorial please double check your version to make sure you have the latest one and that you have any/all updates for the programs.

NOTE: In order to resolve the issues you are having it is very important that you at least try to perform all the steps as outlined. If you have any difficulty please post back letting us know what steps you have completed, what you found while doing the scans if anything and details about any problems you have encountered in completing the steps. The more details you can provide the better.

After doing ALL of the above if you still have a problem: make sure that you post back letting us know what you could and couldn't complete in the Read Me First guide and what problems still exist and in the meantime while we are reviewing what problems still exist please read the following guide and then wait for us to ask you to post your HJT log as an attachment.

Make sure you have HijackThis 1.99 and follow the guidelines on where to install it and how to post a log as an attachment. This is all covered in the sticky thread
NO HIJACK THIS LOG FILES BEFORE READING THIS: HJT Tutorial & LOG File Posting

Now post a HijackThis log as an attachment to your message (Do not post the log inline). All running programs should be closed, including your web browser, e-mail. Close before running Hijack This!

To repeat: Do NOT run Hijack This from the Desktop, a temp folder, or a sub-folder of C:\Documents and Settings, or choose to run it directly from the downloaded ZIP file. Place it in its own folder, for example C:\Program Files\HJT

Again after you post back to let us know if you are still having the problems please be as specific as possible as to what you couldn't complete and as to what problems still exist as the more information we have the better we will be able to help you.

Please also be patient in waiting for replies and responses as there are a limited number of people who are able to help you and as you can see by the posts on this forum there are many people out there who have questions/problems. Thanks and again welcome to MG

sw