internet explorer attacked by nasty worm (not this computer - so it's safe!)

Help me before I sledgehammer my PC!!! I got a worm/virus and have just now been able to manually delete virus program and reinstall/run. BUT I get IE error messages whenever it opens. My most common one says: version 5.0.531.7 of files WSHEXT.DLL and WSHOM.OCX exists but needs to be greater than 5.1.0.4615.
QUESTIONS: I want to install winxp over current 98 but I don't want to risk taking this virus with me if it is in IE. Can I delete IE (how? - it will not repair b/c of above error messg and I have virus scanned IE) or can I just install XP which, I think, can install a new IE version? Most likely I will not be able to download from web site b/c - guess what?- I'll get EI error/script messages and I cannot fill in any lines (name,Address, etc) Obviously I am not using THAT computer right now! HEEEELLLLPPPPP me!

 

If you are going to install a new OS, I suggest you just reformat the hard drive, that will take care of almost all viruses. Its always best in the long run to install an OS on a clean drive because if you upgrade from 98 to XP is can cause compatibility problems down the line. I'd say back up your data, but then again you don't want to back up the virus. Its up to you what you do there. But on another note, you should ask yourself, "Do I really need XP?" and "What in XP do I need that I cannot do in Win2K or98? ". XP has proven to actually be a very unstable OS that offers little over some of its predecessors. Plus there are alot of activation issues and spying issues that actually make it worse that previous windows versions. I don't know how much you know about computers, but if you want to *really* avoid viruses and are willing to try somthing new, I'd try out a Linux version. But it won't be as easy to use as windows. A good choice of OS can go a long way. But, even if you do stick with XP, theres no need to use IE. If you switch to either Mozilla or Opera (both free, check my sig) you'll surely save yourself alot of headaches.

BDBD

 

Well, no big surprise, once again, I agree with little BuckDeath has said.

Let's try to address your current problem and not turn it into something more drastic than it needs to be. Do you know what virus you were hit with kidpt?

Daizy

*edit*
Do try to download 5.5 maybe you'll have luck?

If IE tells you to go looking for the files - then what will often work is placing the files where they belong (extract them from "C:\Windows Update Setup Files" to get the correct versions ?

 

I must disagree with the comments on XP's "instability ". Of all the previous versions of Windows, XP is the most stable to date.

 

With regard to the remark about Windows XP "instability" in this thread. Consider the source.

 

Have you tried running the Repair Tool?

Kevin -