Hi
Cool! It seems to be running a little faster now (which is saying something since it's a very old laptop with only 512mb ram and 1.2ghz cpu) and there are no dllhost.exe entries in the process list. The keyboard goes a little haywire sometimes, but that was the problem I was in the process of fixing when I found the dllhost entries in the first place. I'm pretty sure the keyboard problem is just a bad ribbon cable and I have a replacement on its way already.
Ok great
I really appreciate all your help. I do have a couple of questions, though. You walked me through a lot of steps and scans, but I would really love to know why you chose those tools and scans in particular (as opposed to, say, super anti-spyware or Ad-aware or some other programs) and what you saw in each log file I posted. I started repairing computers (both hardware and software problems) about a year ago and I really want to know how to do all this stuff on my own so I won't have to waste your time again 
Is there any chance you could walk me through, step by step, what went through your mind when you saw each of my posts? 
I'm sorry I don't have the time to explain each part in detail. If you are interested in how to identify and clean malware from computers, you may want to consider the Malware Removal Study Hall here.
-------------------------
Step 1I see you have
Registry Mechanic 10.0 installed.
I do not recommend using Registry 'cleaners'. If something is removed incorrectly it is very easy to end up with an unbootable computer!
Please uninstall this.
Step 2
Important Note: Your version of
Firefox is
out of date.
Older versions have vulnerabilities that malicious sites can use to exploit and infect your system.
Please follow these steps to update Firefox:
Step 3
Important Note: Your version of Adobe Flash is out of date.
Older versions have vulnerabilities that malicious sites can use to exploit and infect your system.
Uninstall Adobe Flash
- Open Programs and Features or Add and Remove Programs by clicking the Start / Windows "Orb" button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Programs, and then clicking Programs and Features or Add and Remove Programs.
- Select any program with Adobe Flash in the name, and then click Uninstall.
- Repeat step 2 until no more programs containing Adobe Flash are visible.
Note: Some programs include the option to change or repair the program in addition to uninstalling it. but many simply offer the option to uninstall. To change a program, click
Change or Repair. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Please follow these steps to Install the latest Adobe flash player:
Step 4
Your version of
Adobe Reader is
outdated.
Older versions have vulnerabilities that malicious sites can use to exploit and infect your system. Please follow these steps to remove older version Adobe components and update:
- Download the latest version of Adobe Reader Version X. and save it to your desktop.
- Uncheck the "Free McAfee Security plan Plus" option or any other Toolbar you are offered
- Click the download button at the bottom.
- If you use Internet Explorer and do not wish to install the ActiveX element, simply click on the click here to download link on the next page.
- Remove all older version of Adobe Reader: Go to Add/remove and uninstall all versions of Adobe Reader, Acrobat Reader and Adobe Acrobat.
If you are unsure of how to use Add or Remove Programs (or Programs and Features), the please see this tutorial:How To Remove An Installed Program From Your Computer - Then from your desktop double-click on Adobe Reader to install the newest version.
If using Windows Vista and the installer refuses to launch due to insufficient user permissions, then Run As Administrator. - When the "Adobe Setup - Welcome" window opens, click the Install > button.
- If offered to install a Toolbar, just uncheck the box before continuing unless you want it.
Your Adobe Reader is now up to date!
Step 5
Since you don't have Java SDK or Java RE installed, there is no need to have "Java Auto Updater (Version: 2.0.2.1)" installed at present.
-> You may as well uninstall this.
Step 6
I recommend you defragment your hard drive.
Auslogics disk defrag is the software I use when defragmenting my disk.
---------------------
Good stuff, your computer appears to be clean! 
Let's do some clearing upPlease set your system to hide all hidden files.- Click Start, open My Computer, select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
- Select the View Tab. Under the Hidden files and folders heading,
- Uncheck Show hidden files and folders.
- Check: Hide file extensions for known file types.
- Check: Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.
- Click Yes to confirm.
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Here's some advice on how you can keep your PC cleanUse and update your AntiVirus SoftwareYou must have a good antivirus. There are plenty to choose from but I personally recommend the free options of Avast and Avira Antivir - though if you choose Avira you should make sure that you uncheck the box offering to install the Ask toolbar. If you want to purchase a security program then I recommend any of the following: AVG, Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky and ESET Nod32.
It is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish). If you do not update your antivirus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out. If you use a commercial antivirus program you must make sure you keep renewing your subscription. Otherwise, once your subscription runs out, you may not be able to update the programs virus definitions.
Make sure your applications have all of their updatesUse this next program to check for updates for programs already on your system. Download Security Check by screen317 from
here.
- Save it to your Desktop.
- Double click SecurityCheck.exe and follow the onscreen instructions inside of the black box.
- A notepad document should open automatically, make sure that updates on any that are flagged are carried out as soon as possible
It is also possible for other programs on your computer to have security vulnerabilities that can allow malware to infect you. Therefore, it is also a good idea to check for the latest versions of commonly installed applications that are regularly patched to fix vulnerabilities. You can check these by visiting
Secunia Software Inspector,
Calendar of Updates., and
FileHippo Update checkerInstall an AntiSpyware ProgramA highly recommended AntiSpyware program is
SuperAntiSpyware. You can download the free Home Version. or the Pro version for a 15 day trial period.
Installing this or another recommended program will provide spyware & hijacker protection on your computer alongside your virus protection. You should scan your computer with an AntiSpyware program on a regular basis just as you would an antivirus software.
That's it, happy surfing!
Cheers,
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