Hello Jim,
Close all browsers and all other programs that you have started.

Start HijackThis. Look for these lines and place a checkmark against each of the following, if still present

Click on Fix Checked when finished and exit HijackThis.
Make sure your Internet Explorer (& or any other browser) is closed when you click Fix Checked!
>
Go to Control Panel, Add-Remove Programs. Un-install Adobe Reader. Then make a clean exit when done.
You have an older version of it, which may lead to security exploitations.
Download and install Adobe Reader 8.1.2
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
>

On the Windows "update" issue: See and do the items at Windows and Microsoft Update Problem Solver

Your HJT log looked good. ESET scan showed no new malware & only tagged item in quarantine already. The Kaspersky showed no new malware either.

Since there are no further signs of malware, I'm about to close this thread. You may, if needed, use the general Windows forum to pursue any further issues. If it is related to malware, ping me by PM (if needed) to re-open this.

Now, it is time to remove Combofix and some tools we used.
We will remove Combofix and all its associated folders. By whichever name you named it, (either Combofix or Combo-fix), put that name in the RUN box stated just below. The "/u" in the Run line below is to start Combofix for it's cleanup & removal function.
The utility must be removed to prevent any un-intentional or accidental usage, PLUS, to free up much space on your hard disk.

• Click Start, then click Run.
  
  In the command box that opens, type or copy/paste
  combofix /u
  and then click OK.
  
  [img]
  
  http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j116/amateur_photos/CFuninstall.png
  [/img]
  
  
• Please double-click OTMoveIt.exe to run it.
• Click on the CleanUp! button. When you do this a text file named cleanup.txt will be downloaded from the internet. If you get a warning from your firewall or other security programs regarding OTMoveIt attempting to contact the internet you should allow it to do so. After the list has been download you'll be asked if you want to Begin cleanup process? Select Yes.
• This step removes the files, folders, and shortcuts created by the tools I had you download and run.

Run ATF Cleaner, and checkmark "Empty Recycle Bin", click "Empty Selected" and exit the program.
ATF Cleaner you may keep, and indeed use regularly to remove temp files.

MBAM is a great anti-malware tool. You may keep it and either subscribe (purchase) to get automatic updates or keep as is and do manual updates. Use it periodically to scan system, in addition to the tools you previously had.

Closing remarks:

• Configure your Antivirus software to check for updates daily, at a time in which you are sure the computer will be on.
  
  
• Check in at Windows Update and install any Critical Updates offered.
  
  
• Download and Install Windows Defender by Microsoft (free) if you do not already have it:
  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=435BFCE7-DA2B-4A6A-AFA4-F7F14E605A0D
  
  
• Download, install, and keep updated Spyware Blaster 4.0 (free): http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html (all Protections should be enabled at all times)

On some regular schedule, it is a good idea to do an online scan for viruses and malware. Here is a very short list of sites where this may be done:
ESET Online Scanner

F-Secure Online Scanner

Kaspersky Webscan Online Virus Scanner

Panda ActiveScan

Trend Micro Housecall

• Read Tony Klein's article How Did I Get Infected In The First Place
  
  
• Never, ever download free games, free tools, smileys, or anything free unless you can be absolutely sure the source is safe !
  
• Never use peer-to-peer filesharing products or downloads. ref. /modules.php?&name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=204179
  
  Finally, spend some time reading about how to keep your computer safe on the Internet: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial82.html

We are done here. All the best to you.

_________________
~Maurice Naggar
MS-MVP

Hi Maurice,

Thanks for all the help. For some reason I didn't get an email on this post, which is why it took this long to respond. Wish I'd checked in earlier.

The Windows Update fix has been pulled, so I've updated manually. Only an Office 2003 fix available so perhaps its been running fine.

I'll turn this back over to my wife and we'll see how it goes. By - she'll be excited.

Thanks,

Jim

Hello Jim,

If there are no more issues, I'm going to ask that this thread be permanently closed and locked.

All the best to you.

Hi Maurice,

There was one issue remaining - Spybot S&D still complains that the security center has been disabled. Aside from this, my wife is using the computer again with no problems.

Thanks - Jim

Hi Jim,
Download and Unzip to your Desktop: http://www.techsupportforum.com/sectools/ResetTeaTimer.zip
Double-click on ResetTeaTimer.bat to remove all entries set by TeaTimer.

[color=red]Logoff and Restart Windows for these changes to take effect.
You may now delete the ResetTeaTimer ZIP and folder on your desktop.
=
Download and Install Windows Defender by Microsoft (free) if you do not already have it:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=435BFCE7-DA2B-4A6A-AFA4-F7F14E605A0D
=
Next, go to Control Panel, then click (select) Secuity Center.
What does it show for Firewall,
Automatic Updates setting,
and for Virus Protection ?

Are any of them showing a Red icon?