my wife's PC is getting a T O N of pop ups. Obvious malware, highjack, etc.

Whats the best fix? Adaware, Spybot don't seem to do the trick.

I suggest you to check out what programs are running at start
go to Start -> Execute... (I don't know how it's named the option in english.. you know.. the "command line" launcher...)
and write "msconfig" (without quotation marks)
then, go to the last tab, and read what programs are running.
If you are on winXP, the tab to the left is called "services". Go there, check the box "hide services from microsoft", and from the resulting list, review if those services are OK.

Another suggestion, check out if you have Active Desktop enabled (maybe it's executing from there), and if she's using any app like google desktop or those who embed HTML/scripts, check there too.

Hope this helps a bit! Good luck :)

PS: In case of emergency, "format c: /u /s" works fine. (just kidding)

best solution is probably http://www.ubuntu.com/

For windows administration there's a thumb rule

for minor problems: reboot your system
for major problems: reinstall your system ;)

"best solution is probably ubuntu.com"
Ha! Your killing me today. I haven't laughed so hard since I first heard George Bush speak.

DPic
Yh I tried that, couldn't work out how to get it to connect to a WPA-PSK wireless network tho :-(

No, seriously:

For minor problems: reboot your system and install Firefox
For major problems: upgrade your operating system to Ubuntu

Mrrix32: With Ubuntu?! I have it installed in a Virtual Machine here, and it works perfectly with networks! Even better than XP! It's click and you are connected.

Zim
Maybe I'll try it again then, I could find something about WEP networks but not WPA.

I'm looking for some serious answers. Changing out the OS? -yeah, sure. It has something to do with an "outer info" pop up.

Try to use ComboFix to clean out the junks.
download.bleepingcomputer.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe

brinke guthrie: My first post was serious, did you tried those things?
What antivirus are you using?