Should I wipe out my harddrive

[Lizzy]

Ok I have a problem, I downloaded a spyware program off the net and have nothing but trouble ever since, It was spybot, some how it removed some important files and I ended up reloaded my Windows XP, Now my problem is my computer has trouble connecting to the net and the email, I worked with my internet provider last night and he said it stars to ping ok but then just drops off. He thinks that maybe that spybot has control over my computer, Now what do I do, Do I have to format my hard drive, hope someone can help me.

Lizzy

[johnwill]

For XP, try the first two fixes, for other Windows versions, try the last fix.

WINSOCK Fix XP: http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html

Reset TCP/IP Stack: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;299357&Product=winxp

WINSOCK Fix WinALL: http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm

[merlin_2]

people should not use spybot or ad-aware?  in my opinon...you could try this>http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm   what connection are you using adsl modem 56/k modem/cable sat....

[Mac]

I disagree. People should use SpyBot & AdAware, and they should be aware that it is the spyware on the system which either of these programs remove that cause the damage to the connection, and they should also be aware of the availablity of repairs, as listed above.

In fact after installing XP with a firewall and anti-virus program the next theree programs to add are:

SpyBot, AdAware & SpywareBlaster, even before updating to SP2.

I had no problems after updating an XP machine to SP2 as the computer was free of spyware and virus-free.