Off Topic: PC being attacked by various unknowns

["John W Rosa" <JohnRosa@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sorry for the OT, but I know some of you folks are FAR 
more in the know about computer threats/security and 
adware/virus issues. PLEASE respond directly to my Email 
address so everyone else doesn't have to read every 
response.

I was out searching for some downloadable software to 
'rip' audio from concert DVDs to MP3 files. I found only
one that seemed to be mentioned everywhere called DVD 
Audio Ripper (as obvious a title if there ever was one),
and downloaded and installed it. It did all I wanted so
I revisited the site to 'buy' the unlock code. The site
wasn't responding and in my impatience, and at the urging 
of my neighbor's kid, I went searching for the 'crack'...
and apparently fell into one.

I landed on a 'site' that instantly caused multiple browser 
windows to open and I couldn't shut them off as fast as 
they opened. I bailed off the site and killed everything, 
logged off, rebooted and then tried to go online again.
That's when the first obvious sign that 'something malicious 
this way came'. My network connection window opened (yes, 
still on dial-up) and showed a gibberish phone number in 
place of the usual one. I checked and found my user name 
also altered. I presumed the password was also different. 
Apparently, the attempt was made to have me dialup some 
foreign number and login to their server so they could 
access my system directly. I changed all the info back and 
logged on just fine. I found out later when I logged off
again, the altered numbers automatically reinserted 
themselves. Now I'm having to fix it every time I wish to 
log on.

The second issue, probably related, is that once I log on and 
open IE's browser, a second window opens automatically. I 
Haven't let it fully load to display what it plans to, but 
I suspect it's been linked to open with IE and is the 'program' 
that is resetting my connection to the malicious phone number 
and login info...but that's a guess.

Other issues that have also arisen include insanely slow CD 
burning (Nero) and an occasional 5 to 10 minute startup time 
for MS Outlook. Just walk away...it'll finish loading eventually.

Throughout all this, I have a very-current McAfee Firewall and 
Virus package, plus I'm running AdAware Plus daily. AdAware 
found A pile of critical items the first time it ran, but the cleanup 
did not affect the issues I've detailed above. McAfee has found 
nothing.

Soooo.....anybody got a good idea what went wrong (other than my 
thought processes)? Solutions (other than format and reinstall... 
grr!)? All ideas appreciated.

BTW- I did finally get back to the software site, paid and got my 
code. Lesson learned (again).

John
johnrosa@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx