Hi
Thanks again, yes, i must use i.e. i actually thought i did have my security settings higher. my bad. i'll give spware blaster a go. i have spynomore, superantispyware and spyware doctor. is the blaster better than any/all of these? I do try to run them periodically. meantime, should i run hjt or eset again and post the logs? it has improved, but it's still a bit laggy on loading. (it's not a very "fast" machine to start with, it just functions primarily as a high tech cash register.)

First of all, I would remove Spynomore all together. It was, at one time, listed as a Rogue application because of excessive False Positives, among other things. It has been removed from that list but that does not mean it is a good program now and personally it is not one I would recommend. Uninstall it is my advice.

Is SpywareBlaster (Please note the spelling, it is all one word with S & B in caps, there are some rogue applications out there using similar names but the spelling is different. Be certain you get the correct one from javacool software.) better?

Honestly I would say yes. Remember SpywareBlaster does not do any scanning or removal it is a protection program. SpywareBlaster "inoculates" your Internet Explorer browser against the installation of unwanted spyware and adware from the internet. For your situation especially a MUST HAVE.
SUPERAntiSpyware and Spyware Doctor are both excellent programs, though I don't know whether you are using the FREE or Paid versions. Both versions of each are excellent, the paid versions of each just offer an "extra" but really are not required to purchase to be sufficient. Continue to update them daily and scan with them daily if you feel it is necessary. Remember, the FREE trial version of Spyware Doctor will protect and can be used for scanning but does not remove, in order to do so with it then you must purchase the Spyware Doctor license.
SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition and will detect and remove thousands of Spyware but it does not include real-time blocking or scheduled scanning. So, if you are using the FREE edition then you don't need it running in the background all the time because it offers no protection but you should scan and remove with it. So regardless of whether you are using Free or Paid versions of each, keep them both. If you are using Free versions of both then use the Spyware Doctor real time monitoring and turn off the SuperAntispyware monitoring. If you are using Paid versions of both, only use one of them for real time monitoring. I am only saying this because you say the machine is old and generally slow. Having both doing the monitoring would definitely slow the machine and occasionally can allow something to slip by because they could "fight against" each other. If you are using Paid versions scan and remove with both, regardless because each will look for slightly different things.
I know I posted links for I.E. security settings before but here are some laid out by PhilliePhan somebody whose recommendations I swear by;

Current version number of SunJava is update 6 version 7. This is as of this writing October 13, 2008, so check often for updates. When a new one is released then first download the new version to the desktop and choose Offline install. Then UNINSTALL the old version via Add/Remove. Once that is uninstalled then install the newest version.

Because of this, in order to protect yourself and your customers you need to keep that security "beefed up".
Use an antivirus real time scanner, a firewall, ONE realtime antispy program PLUS SpywareBlaster. Keep your temp files emptied out (I recommend either ATF-Cleaner or CCleaner, scan very often with the av program and your antispy programs and keep the kids off the internet and if it is hard to do that just do all you can to make their surfing at work difficult and un-enjoyable.
Judy

I did remove--or at least attempted to--spynomore. it would not appear in my add/remove list, so i went to c drive and deleted its folder. it still shows in the start menu list, but only the uninstall icon. using that when i first tried it did nothing. cute.

in regards to the security settings, i followed your advice. however, for the active x controls, i have to keep them enabled otherwise my receipt printer will not work. I did try them set as you indicated, but then got a print communications error, so i had to put them back to enabled. i recall having the point of sale software tech specifically instruct me to set them that way a year or two ago. I've updated the java --v6 10-- now. and got rid of all the old versions and updated and run my antivirus programs, which uncovered a bunch of junk. i also ran atf cleaner, which unfortunately, wiped my cookie with my password for this site. (i'm posting from home at the moment and just reset my password so i can log in at work again. that was a "Doh!" moment )))

i've run the malware and windows malicious software removal tool a few times and both of those keep coming up clean.

When i am able, are there any logs you like to see? machine is much improved.

If you feel it is running well then I think you are ok. If you have other problems feel free to check back in.
Judy