smart security

[Violently Angry in VA]

OK. First thing: thank you all for being smarter than me. I spent 2-3 days just trying to find a site like this with people that understand all this stuff. I didn't realize how little I knew about computers until this.
I've been on this site for a week now. I've deleted the same files so damn many times I could puke. I went to their site [ http://www.smart-security.info/removal.html ] and got their "fix" four times and of course got nothing done. I've read over the posts from you guys/gals so many times, I feel like I should send out birthday cards or something.
So...
I've got an Inspiron 1100 laptop
windows XP
black screen [temp removal thru the 'right click at the top' method]
"! protect your data" icon on desktop
blah, blah, blah [same [censored] as everybody else]
ad-aware se personal
17 smart/full scans later, the only thing I've gotten done is the removal of the "TEEN [censored] PICS" icon that came up with the S.S. bs.
Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated, and thanks to the website for being available and to all those who contributed.

Bobby

[guestolo]

Hi Violent, we should be able to help you out with this

I would like to take a closer look to ensure that nothing else malicious is hiding on your computer

Can you Download Hijackthis 1.99
A small utility to help identify if any Hijackers, Malware, Spyware, etc.....Reside on your computer

Important: Create a Permanent folder for Hijackthis
Double Click "MY Computer"
Open your C: drive
Click "File" >>> "New" >>>> "Folder"
A new folder will be created, name it HJT

Now you will have C:\HJT

Download Hijackthis from CLICK HERE or CLICK HERE
Save it to that new folder

Do a SCAN and Save a Log file---Save the log----copy and paste the WHOLE contents of the log  here... Don't try and fix anything yet----It is all important

If I don't see your log, you can try these steps I've outlined before
You will have to edit the registry
It's not hard, but be very careful whenever you enter the registry to remove only what is asked
If your unsure, it's always a good idea to make a fresh restore point first

Go to START>>All Programs>>Accessories>>System Tools>>System Restore

Create a fresh restore point>>>Name it and click Create

Once that is done you can follow these directions by Trend Micros'

# Open Registry Editor. Click Start>Run, type REGEDIT, then press Enter.
# In the left panel, expand(+) the following
+HKEY_CURRENT_USER
+Software
+Microsoft
+Internet Explorer
+Desktop
+Components
# Still in the left panel, locate and Right click on and delete the subkey:
0
# Close Registry Editor.

Using Windows Explorer and/or Search, locate and delete the following files:
Do a search for the bolded files
• %Windows%\desktop.html
• %Windows%\Web\desktop.html
• %Windows%\SSICO.ICO
• %Root%\Documents and Settings\<current user>\Desktop\! Protect Your Data.url
• %Root%\Documents and Settings\<current user>\Favorites\! Smart Security.url
• %Root%\Documents and Settings\<current user>\Recent\! Smart Security.url
• %Root%\Documents and Settings\<current user>\Start Menu\! Secure Yourself.url

After that is done, Restart your computer

I urge you to post your Hijackthis log