Run Malware Bytes.

Install Startup Monitor. (The first time you start up after it's been installed it'll ask you if it's ok to load everything that you want loaded on startup, but once it's done it once, it'll then only prompt you if a new file wants to run at startup. Sometimes this happens with Flash updates, etc. but it'll also let you know if something is trying to install itself behind your back.)

You should run some malware cleaners.

I haven't had this problem in a while, so I don't know what people are currently recommending, but I have in the past successfully used SpyBot, MalWareBytes, and CC Cleaner to find deeply buried nasty stuff. I'm sorry I can't link to any of them because I'm at work and they are blocked. It's a good thing to do even if you're pretty sure you got rid of the latest infection, and you may be surprised what you find. CC CLeaner's default is to get rid of your cookies, so you do have to go around re-entering all your passwords and logging into your regular sites, but it's well worth it...it unearths a lot of detritus.

Oops, for Googling - it's not "CC CLeaner," It's "CCleaner," as in cleaning drive C.

this sounds like something that bit my computer a month or so ago. as malware goes its pretty easy to get rid of. the name of the program it wanted me to buy was called Antivirus Action , so just google 'How To Remove AntiVirus Action' and follow the advice on what to remove or change in the registry that system restore may have missed.

after doing that, make sure your java is fully updated. that was my computer's weakness, so make sure your java is up to date. As well as using anti Malware software mentioned by other folks above, also update your OS, Anti Virus and Browser and you should be safe

Good Luck

the noscript browser add-on can help prevent drive-by infections. i use it, but its kind of a pain in the butt since most websites wont work without javascript these days.

also make sure your flash player is up to date. you may want to delete your flash cookies.

malwarebytes, superantispyware and the eset online scanner are what i usually use to clean infected machines that my friends and relatives bring to me.

It's "CCleaner," as in cleaning drive C.

Actually, it's CCleaner as in Crap Cleaner. Fun trivia.

I'm a pretty big fan of Microsoft Security Essentials. It's a virus/malware checker that MS put out a few years ago for free and it seems to do a much better job than the more expensive competitors.

OK.

I ran malwarebytes and it came up clean so I guess the eset scanner got the bad stuff.

The reason I am so clueless about viruses and malware is that I haven't had problems in years -- ever since I started using eset.

I do use the noscript browser as well.
Everything is now updated too.

Thanks, everyone.

Another vote for Malwarebytes here. I bought the paid subscription and use it as my full-time antivirus now. It is cheaper than what I was previously using.

Thanks for this, gaspode. I've been rather lax in taking precautions on this issue with my new(ish) laptop. I surf safely and only download from trusted sources, but this has been bugging me in the back of my brain (what where all the anxiety comes from...). Just installed and ran the free version of Malwarebytes and came up clean, so yay. I'll sleep just a little bit better tonight.

deezil's profile page is my first stop for any virus/malware issue.