Recently I began getting a pop-up which indicates that it is from Windows Error Service indicating that spyware has been dettected on my system. It further states that there is a free spyware dector/remover and if you strike the ok key it attempts to take you to the following site:
msi2.optima-host.com/spyhunter.html. I made the mistake of saying ok once and immediately began receiving alerts from Mcafee virun scanner.

I have no idea where this came from but would sure like to remove it from the system as it is a real pain when I'm working. It will minimize an application or interrupt whatever your involved in at the time.

Any suggestions?????????????????

You need to disable the messenger service ,go here and download and run Shoot the messenger .
http://www.grc.com/stm/shootthemessenger.htm

After that do this and we'll check for spyware.

No guarentees, as it could be a couple things, but please do these:

Download the latest version of Ad-Aware at http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/
After installing AAW, and before running the program, FIRST update the reference file following these instructions.
http://www.lavahelp.com/howto/updref/index.html
Now do the following:
- Under Ad-aware 6 > Settings (Gear at the top) > Tweaks > Scanning Engine:
check: "Unload recognized processes during scanning."
- Under Ad-aware 6 > Settings (Gear at the top) > Tweaks > Cleaning Engine:
Check: "Let Windows remove files in use after reboot."
Press "Scan Now"
- Check option "Use Custom scanning options"
- Check option "Activate In-Depth Scan"
- Press "Select drives\folders to scan"
- Select the active partition which is usually C:
Now press "Next" to let Ad-aware scan your drives...
It will find a number of "bad" files and registry keys.
Right-click in that pane and choose "select all"
Now press "Next" again.
It will ask you whether you'd like to remove all checked items. Click OK.
Finally, close Ad-Aware, and reboot.

Then:
Download 'Hijack This!'. http://www.computercops.biz/downloads-file-328.html
Unzip (extract) it to a folder of its own. Then Doubleclick HijackThis.exe (in the new folder), and hit "Scan".
When the scan is finished, the "Scan" button will change into a "Save Log" button.
Press that, then Ctrl-A to Select All, and copy its contents here. for hijackthis,most of what it lists will be harmless or even essential, don't fix anything yet.

I neglected to include that this system operates Win98SE, and accordingly the Messenger Service cannot be shut off per Lavasoft. I appreciate your response.

Any additional suggestions????????????

Thanks, Bob Hogan

sorry i should have noticed that we are in the 95/98 fourm.

try this !
Download 'Hijack This!'. http://www.computercops.biz/downloads-file-328.html
Unzip (extract) it to a folder of its own. Then Doubleclick HijackThis.exe (in the new folder), and hit "Scan".
When the scan is finished, the "Scan" button will change into a "Save Log" button.
Press that, then Ctrl-A to Select All, and copy its contents here. for hijackthis,most of what it lists will be harmless or even essential, don't fix anything yet.