AAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHH! The spyware that won't die!!!!!

[1monster]

About a week and a half ago, my computer became infested with kazillions of spybugs. I ran lavasofts Adaware and Spybot. Both assured me that the spybugs had been cleaned out.

But upon starting my computer, I always close a few programs that run on start up and I noticed that some of the spybugs that were supposedly not there anymore were running on start up. So, of course, I ran Adaware and Spybot again. To no better result. x(

Then I began combing through all the files in my computer (Program Files, Windows <"do not modify these files on pain of screwing up your computer for life"> files, etc.) I was able to find most of the spyware and delete it. Such a lovely feeling to crush those little nasties into the recycle bin!!!! :evilgrin:

But, alas! I am unable to get rid of ISTbar.Slotch in the Registry Keys and Values file. I have gone in, reluctantly because I really don't want to screw up my programs and computer, and deleted the ~!@#$%^&*()_+* culprit registry keys and values.

And they pop right back up in the files immediately after I delete them. :grr: There seems to be NO killing the damned things.:banghead:

Do I have any other recourse, other than to totally reload Windows 98 (and all the bells and whistles programs and hardware I have added on? And if I do, is there any way that spyware can STILLL be there? :scared: