recovering from a virus question

  I recently contracted a computer virus (DESPITE having run my anti-virus - and Spybot & Adaware - weekly), probably caused by a podcast I watched.  A couple of computer geek friends ran some programs, found some files to delete, etc.  The computer now runs as if everything is fine EXCEPT that when the virus took over the computer, it also put on a new desktop and a sign warning me of a virus.  We are able to overwrite the desktop, but the warning sign still comes up regularly as it is revving up after being turned on.

  My computer advisor (unpaid) says that's just a vestige (sort of like a scar from chicken pox) and everything is fine.  So do a couple of other computer geeks-none of them paid.  I want to ship the machine off to the hospital for a thorough checkup with tools that you can't do at home (probably costing something over $100)

  Am I being overly-paranoid?or prudent?  If I'm prudent, can you give me arguments to support my position?  If I'm overly-paranoid, can you tell me something to help me relax.
 

Laura,

I would be backing up all of my CAT files, if you have your CAT stuff on this computer, and taking it to a known, paid-for computer tech to look into things and get that warning off. 

I personally think it would be a very prudent thing to do, unless this is just a *play* computer that you don't have anything important on.

Marie Splane

Hi, Laura.

Cost of computer virus:  Free.
Cost of removing computer virus:  Free.
Cost of computer hospital checkup:  $100

Peace of mind:   Priceless.

 Thanks guys.  I agree with you-peace of mind!!  Unfortunately, not everyone who uses the computer agrees.  I suspect I can prevail over the local computer expert/frugal economist, but I'd rather prevail by presenting some technical information.

  THanks for the reminder about backing up.  I do backup daily, and weekly - but there's another question.  I suspect it took about 3-4 days for the virus to complete it's tasks.  So I assume the back-ups are bad - or at least I am afraid they are bad.
 

If you use the computer for your work, then have you tried the 'it's my livelihoood' argument with the 'it's a tax deduction' follow-up?