How do i get malware off my PC once and FOR all?

YOUR PROBLEM: My PC caught a spyware infection that replicates itselfeven after I ve deleted it from windows registry.I ve tried all the spyware removal tools i could find,but i m still unable to get rid of it.

SOLUTION: If scanning with multiple antispyware programs doesnt remove it,try using windows' system restore feature(Windows 2000 lacks this feature)click start,programs,accessories,system tools,system restore.Choose restore my computer to an earlier time,click next,pick the earliest restore point available and follow the prompts. Should system restore fail to solve the problem,your next steps areto reboot your PC and press before your monitor switches resolution as windows loads.At the resulting menu select safe mode with a command prompt,and then pick your operating system.at the command prompt type C:\windows\system32\restore\rstrui.exe and press enter .and try running system restore from there.

If your PC is still infected and after this,I must make like dear abby and recommend that you seek the assistance of a professional.Contact the supporter desks of your various security software vendors,one of which may have the solution.

For the community approach to support,download this free Hijack from http://pcworld.in/downloads/index.jsp/dsec=1441/dsubSecId=1727 and run it to create a very technical report on your suspicious windows behaviour.Post this report on one of the many Web forums frequented by people who may be able to make head and tail put of it.Both TechSoup(www.techsoup.org/fb/index.cfm?fuseaction=forums.showSingleForum&forum=2029&cid=117&) and spyware Warrior (www.spywarewarrior.com) have excellent forums with helpful participants.If all else fails,back up your data folders and get ready to reformat the PC's hard drive.If you dont have an image back up of your drive,you ll have to reinstall windows,install and update your malware protection and restore your data from Backup.

Of course,reformatting and restoring your drive is easiest if you've been using a backup program with good disaster recovery features.Image backup programs such as Acronis' true image and Symantec'c Norton save and restore are particularly adept at drive restoration.

If you dont have a good system backup,reinstall windows using the restore disc or windows CD that came with your system,selecting an option that will destroy eveything on your hard drive.You ll also have to reset your internet connectionand reinstall, as well,all your hardware drivers and applications.

Finally,once you have windows and your programs back in place , you ll need to update all of your security vulnerabilities and scan the backup of your data folders with your antivirus program before moving the files back to your harddrive.