Corrupted Internet Browser

[gyron1]

Hi Gents,
I guess I am in some fairly serious trouble with my internet set up (IE6). I was searching for various items connected with my work on internet yesterday and somehow picked up a varirty of undesirables. These take the form of www.virusprotectpro.com which has installed itself on the task bar and elsewhere which I cannot seem to get rid of and continually tells me I have worms etc with pop ups every 30 secs or so (presumably wants me to purchase their software. Also something called www.viruslocker and www.entertainforever.com (which auto boots when I sign on), - none of which I can get rid of. I also get error messages of the type 'iesmn.exe-DLL Initialisation failed'. Finally, should I have something called ActiveX Access which seems to be rearing its head.
I have done a full system virus etc scan using the Symantec (Norton) Anti Virus software which shows my system to be clean.
At this point in time I cannot even log onto my 'Google' home page!! (using my wifes computer to send this message).
Is there any way I can clean up my internet browser and start over afresh, prefrably retaining my favorites?
Apologies for longish post but in real trouble here.
Gyron

[kee-lo_]

I find Norton's security inadequate

[gyron1]

Hi Blencogo,
Yes indeed, thanks for help & advice.
On the subject of using the 'Tune Up Utilities' & running the Registry and Optimiser tools, you will recall from one of my earlier threads that I had a very bad experience running this software! - probably my own fault I admit.
I have read and absorbed you sound advice in your (much) earlier thread where you advise the use of this software to speed up Start-Up times, which is exactly what I want to do.
However, because of my previous bad experience (as I say, maybe down to me), where the 'Tune-Up' software successfully managed to destroy my Symantec (Norton) Firewall & Anti Virus software, I am most reluctant to try this option again. Incidently, the 'Tune-Up' restore facility failed to restore the Symantec software!
Hmm, maybe I will start with looking at the msconfig side of things and see exactly what is trying to boot-up during the start sequence.

With respect to the advice of others to try a different Anti Virus/Firewall software, I might do this after my subscription time runs out. I have to admit that the software (Symantec) did fail to protect me wrt the problems referred to (and solved) earlier in this thread!!
Thanks again,
Gyron