Earthlink Problem

[Guest]

I formerly used Earthlink as an ISP for a second HP desktop PC, but terminated the service because Earthlink permitted
spyware to enter my PC. And it still does. I have software that eliminates it, but all of my attempts to root out the source have failed. I have tried to remove any and all references to Earthlink, its folders and the like, but when I do that I get
a sub-window that tells me that Earthlink is part of the Windows system and cannot be removed. How can this be possible? Earthlink and other ISPs had connection possibilities when I bought the PC, but it was not installed as an operating program. Is there any way to get rid of this pesky problem? I can work around it, but I'm looking for a way to
completely eliminate the problem.

 

[Hal]

If you installed Earthlink's software you may not be able to get it all out.
Much like aol it invades your computer and get into every nook and cranny.
You might have to reinstall xp to get it out.

I formerly used Earthlink as an ISP for a second HP desktop PC, but

terminated the service because Earthlink permitted

spyware to enter my PC. And it still does. I have software that

eliminates it, but all of my attempts to root out the source have failed. I
have tried to remove any and all references to Earthlink, its folders and
the like, but when I do that I get

a sub-window that tells me that Earthlink is part of the Windows system

and cannot be removed. How can this be possible? Earthlink and other ISPs
had connection possibilities when I bought the PC, but it was not installed
as an operating program. Is there any way to get rid of this pesky problem?
I can work around it, but I'm looking for a way to

 

[Doug Kanter]

1) Earthlink did not permit spyware to enter your PC. YOU permitted it or
caused it, either by not configuring your firewall correctly, by not being
well informed about how spyware arrives, or by allowing the installation of
nasty software. I've been using Earthlink for 9 years on 7 computers in this
office. Due to Stalinesque security procedures that anyone can institute for
free, we have had ZERO incidents of spyware.

2) Like some other ISPs, Earthlink offers a software interface to make it
easier for novices to get connected. This software is entirely unnecessary,
but most people aren't aware of that when they install it. Try using
Add/Remove Programs (in Control Panel) to remove the Earthlink interface. As
with any software, it's possible that this method may not work completely.

3) You said you have software that eliminates spyware, but you didn't
mention which specific software. SpyBot is one of the best. It provides more
than enough information to assist a competent user in removing all traces of
spyware. Here: http://spybot.safer-networking.de/

4) If your computer's this much of a mess, you should start thinking about
backing up your work, reformatting the hard disk (which wipes out
everything), and reinstalling your OS.

I formerly used Earthlink as an ISP for a second HP desktop PC, but

terminated the service because Earthlink permitted

spyware to enter my PC. And it still does. I have software that

eliminates it, but all of my attempts to root out the source have failed. I
have tried to remove any and all references to Earthlink, its folders and
the like, but when I do that I get

a sub-window that tells me that Earthlink is part of the Windows system

and cannot be removed. How can this be possible? Earthlink and other ISPs
had connection possibilities when I bought the PC, but it was not installed
as an operating program. Is there any way to get rid of this pesky problem?
I can work around it, but I'm looking for a way to