Some time ago I downloaded Adobe Air. Since then, whenever I start up, I get a message saying "This installation of this application is damaged. Try re-installing or contacting the publisher for assistance."
I [I]have[I] re-installed it (several times, after removing the earlier version) but that has made no difference - the message still appears. It's not important as I can X the message, but it is a niggle as I feel I ought to be able to solve the problem.
Any suggestions?

Run HiJackThis (http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/_download/HiJackThis.exe) and click save log after it is complete. Exit it out, and post the contents of the log here and I'll let you know what to "Fix" in order to get rid of your error message.

Run HiJackThis (http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/_download/HiJackThis.exe) and click save log after it is complete. Exit it out, and post the contents of the log here and I'll let you know what to "Fix" in order to get rid of your error message.

Sorry to have been so long in answering, I've been abroad. I have done as you suggested and have the log, but cannot cut & paste it for some reason. I'm not doing very well here!
Yet if I remove Adobe Air, the computer complains on starting that it 'needs' it... can't win.

There is a startup entry that hijackthis will find. Once you remove the startup entry you will no longer get the error message.

You should be able to open up the log in Notepad. If you can just do the following:

Edit > Select All

Edit > Copy

Then come here and start a reply and then right click and select paste.

Thank you very much for your suggestion, the result follows. Does it make any sense?

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 10:52:03, on 15/02/2010
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgchsvx.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgrsx.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\ArcSoft\Connection Service\Bin\ACService.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgnsx.exe
C:\Program Files\Kontiki\KService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Program Files\CyberLink DVD Solution\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATI9 BE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Samsung\ComSMMgr\ssmmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATI9 BE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Google\Quick Search Box\GoogleQuickSearchBox.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG9\avgtray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\ArcSoft\Connection Service\Bin\ACDaemon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\EPSONS~1\EVENTM~1\EEventManager.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNo tifier.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Nell\Application Data\Smilebox\SmileboxTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Nikon\PictureProject\NkbMonitor.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\ArcSoft\Connection Service\Bin\ArcCon.ac
C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Nell\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\OSZ3Q26L\HiJackThis[1].exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://uk.msn.com/
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://uk.msn.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: RealPlayer Download and Record Plugin for Internet Explorer - {3049C3E9-B461-4BC5-8870-4C09146192CA} - C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\rpbrowserrecordplugin.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar_32.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.5.4723.1820\s wg.dll
O2 - BHO: MSN Toolbar Helper - {d2ce3e00-f94a-4740-988e-03dc2f38c34f} - C:\Program Files\MSN\Toolbar\3.0.1203.0\msneshellx.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O3 - Toolbar: MSN Toolbar - {1E61ED7C-7CB8-49d6-B9E9-AB4C880C8414} - C:\Program Files\MSN\Toolbar\3.0.1203.0\msneshellx.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {CCC7A320-B3CA-4199-B1A6-9F516DD69829} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Google Toolbar - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar_32.dll
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [NvCplDaemon] "C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE" C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [nwiz] "C:\WINDOWS\system32\nwiz.exe" /install
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [NvMediaCenter] "C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE" C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [RTHDCPL] "C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [Alcmtr] "C:\WINDOWS\ALCMTR.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [RemoteControl] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink DVD Solution\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [EPSON Stylus CX3600 Series] "C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATI9 BE.EXE" /P26 "EPSON Stylus CX3600 Series" /O6 "USB001" /M "Stylus CX3600"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [Auto EPSON Stylus CX3600 Series on JOHN] "C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATI9 BE.EXE" /P39 "Auto EPSON Stylus CX3600 Series on JOHN" /O15 "\\JOHN\EPSONSty" /M "Stylus CX3600"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [Samsung Common SM] "C:\WINDOWS\Samsung\ComSMMgr\ssmmgr.exe" /autorun
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [QuickFinder Scheduler] "C:\Program Files\WordPerfect Office 11\Programs\QFSCHD110.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [Auto EPSON Stylus CX3600 Series on JOHNS-PC] "C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATI9 BE.EXE" /P43 "Auto EPSON Stylus CX3600 Series on JOHNS-PC" /O19 "\\JOHNS-PC\EPSONSty" /M "Stylus CX3600"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [Google Quick Search Box] "C:\Program Files\Google\Quick Search Box\GoogleQuickSearchBox.exe" /autorun
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [AVG9_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG9\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [ArcSoft Connection Service] C:\Program Files\Common Files\ArcSoft\Connection Service\Bin\ACDaemon.exe
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [EEventManager] C:\PROGRA~1\EPSONS~1\EVENTM~1\EEventManager.exe
O4 - HKCU\.. \Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\.. \Run: [swg] "C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNo tifier.exe"
O4 - HKCU\.. \Run: [SmileboxTray] "C:\Documents and Settings\Nell\Application Data\Smilebox\SmileboxTray.exe"
O4 - HKCU\.. \RunOnce: [FlashPlayerUpdate] C:\WINDOWS\system32\Macromed\Flash\FlashUtil10d.ex e
O4 - Startup: BBC iPlayer Desktop.lnk = C:\Program Files\BBC iPlayer Desktop\BBC iPlayer Desktop.exe
O4 - Global Startup: NkbMonitor.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Nikon\PictureProject\NkbMonitor.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Search - ?p=ZN
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Google Photos Screensa&ver - res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\GPhotos.scr/200
O8 - Extra context menu item: Google Sidewiki... - res://C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\Component\GoogleToolbarDynamic_mui_en_96D6 FF0C6D236BF8.dll/cmsidewiki.html
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/vc/bin/AvSniff.cab
O16 - DPF: {406B5949-7190-4245-91A9-30A17DE16AD0} (Snapfish Activia) - http://www1.snapfish.co.uk/SnapfishUKActivia.cab
O16 - DPF: {474F00F5-3853-492C-AC3A-476512BBC336} (UploadListView Class) - http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/s/v/25.24/uploader2.cab
O16 - DPF: {644E432F-49D3-41A1-8DD5-E099162EEEC5} (Symantec RuFSI Utility Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/common/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E5E167B-1566-4316-B27F-0DDAB3484CF7} (Image Uploader Control) - http://www.mypix.com/uk/uk/importer/ImageUploader4.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {D821DC4A-0814-435E-9820-661C543A4679} (CRLDownloadWrapper Class) - http://drmlicense.one.microsoft.com/crlupdate/en/crlocx.ocx
O16 - DPF: {DE625294-70E6-45ED-B895-CFFA13AEB044} (AxisMediaControlEmb Class) - http://webcam1.timesofmalta.com/activex/AMC.cab
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgpp.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\avgrsstx.dll
O23 - Service: ArcSoft Connect Daemon (ACDaemon) - ArcSoft Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\ArcSoft\Connection Service\Bin\ACService.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Free E-mail Scanner (avg9emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Free WatchDog (avg9wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate1c98f9eb9dba878) (gupdate1c98f9eb9dba878) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: KService - Kontiki Inc. - C:\Program Files\Kontiki\KService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe

--
End of file - 10158 bytes

There is a startup entry that hijackthis will find. Once you remove the startup entry you will no longer get the error message.

You should be able to open up the log in Notepad. If you can just do the following:

Edit > Select All

Edit > Copy

Then come here and start a reply and then right click and select paste.

Topic Review (Newest First)

Mar 13, 2010 10:01 PM
nelcal Thank you very much for your suggestion, the result follows. Does it make any sense?

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 10:52:03, on 15/02/2010
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgchsvx.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgrsx.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\ArcSoft\Connection Service\Bin\ACService.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgnsx.exe
C:\Program Files\Kontiki\KService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE
C:\Program Files\CyberLink DVD Solution\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATI9 BE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\Samsung\ComSMMgr\ssmmgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATI9 BE.EXE
C:\Program Files\Google\Quick Search Box\GoogleQuickSearchBox.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG9\avgtray.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\ArcSoft\Connection Service\Bin\ACDaemon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\EPSONS~1\EVENTM~1\EEventManager.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNo tifier.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Nell\Application Data\Smilebox\SmileboxTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Nikon\PictureProject\NkbMonitor.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\ArcSoft\Connection Service\Bin\ArcCon.ac
C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Nell\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\OSZ3Q26L\HiJackThis[1].exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = Hotmail, News, Sport, Music, Movies, Money, Cars, Shopping, Windows Live from MSN UK (http://uk.msn.com/)
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = Hotmail, News, Sport, Music, Movies, Money, Cars, Shopping, Windows Live from MSN UK (http://uk.msn.com/)
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = MSN.com (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157)
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = Bing (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896)
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = Bing (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896)
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = MSN.com (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157)
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Int ernet Settings,ProxyOverride = *.local
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: RealPlayer Download and Record Plugin for Internet Explorer - {3049C3E9-B461-4BC5-8870-4C09146192CA} - C:\Program Files\Real\RealPlayer\rpbrowserrecordplugin.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar_32.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Notifier BHO - {AF69DE43-7D58-4638-B6FA-CE66B5AD205D} - C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\5.5.4723.1820\s wg.dll
O2 - BHO: MSN Toolbar Helper - {d2ce3e00-f94a-4740-988e-03dc2f38c34f} - C:\Program Files\MSN\Toolbar\3.0.1203.0\msneshellx.dll
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O3 - Toolbar: MSN Toolbar - {1E61ED7C-7CB8-49d6-B9E9-AB4C880C8414} - C:\Program Files\MSN\Toolbar\3.0.1203.0\msneshellx.dll
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {CCC7A320-B3CA-4199-B1A6-9F516DD69829} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: Google Toolbar - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\GoogleToolbar_32.dll
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [NvCplDaemon] "C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE" C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [nwiz] "C:\WINDOWS\system32\nwiz.exe" /install
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [NvMediaCenter] "C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE" C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [RTHDCPL] "C:\WINDOWS\RTHDCPL.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [Alcmtr] "C:\WINDOWS\ALCMTR.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [RemoteControl] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink DVD Solution\PowerDVD\PDVDServ.exe"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [EPSON Stylus CX3600 Series] "C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATI 9BE.EXE" /P26 "EPSON Stylus CX3600 Series" /O6 "USB001" /M "Stylus CX3600"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [Auto EPSON Stylus CX3600 Series on JOHN] "C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATI 9BE.EXE" /P39 "Auto EPSON Stylus CX3600 Series on JOHN" /O15 "\\JOHN\EPSONSty" /M "Stylus CX3600"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [Samsung Common SM] "C:\WINDOWS\Samsung\ComSMMgr\ssmmgr.exe" /autorun
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [QuickFinder Scheduler] "C:\Program Files\WordPerfect Office 11\Programs\QFSCHD110.EXE"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [Auto EPSON Stylus CX3600 Series on JOHNS-PC] "C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_FATI 9BE.EXE" /P43 "Auto EPSON Stylus CX3600 Series on JOHNS-PC" /O19 "\\JOHNS-PC\EPSONSty" /M "Stylus CX3600"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [Google Quick Search Box] "C:\Program Files\Google\Quick Search Box\GoogleQuickSearchBox.exe" /autorun
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [AVG9_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG9\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [ArcSoft Connection Service] C:\Program Files\Common Files\ArcSoft\Connection Service\Bin\ACDaemon.exe
O4 - HKLM\.. \Run: [EEventManager] C:\PROGRA~1\EPSONS~1\EVENTM~1\EEventManager.exe
O4 - HKCU\.. \Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\.. \Run: [swg] "C:\Program Files\Google\GoogleToolbarNotifier\GoogleToolbarNo tifier.exe"
O4 - HKCU\.. \Run: [SmileboxTray] "C:\Documents and Settings\Nell\Application Data\Smilebox\SmileboxTray.exe"
O4 - HKCU\.. \RunOnce: [FlashPlayerUpdate] C:\WINDOWS\system32\Macromed\Flash\FlashUtil10d.ex e
O4 - Startup: BBC iPlayer Desktop.lnk = C:\Program Files\BBC iPlayer Desktop\BBC iPlayer Desktop.exe
O4 - Global Startup: NkbMonitor.exe.lnk = C:\Program Files\Nikon\PictureProject\NkbMonitor.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Search - ?p=ZN
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Google Photos Screensa&ver - res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\GPhotos.scr/200
O8 - Extra context menu item: Google Sidewiki... - res://C:\Program Files\Google\Google Toolbar\Component\GoogleToolbarDynamic_mui_en_96D6 FF0C6D236BF8.dll/cmsidewiki.html
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {2BC66F54-93A8-11D3-BEB6-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec AntiVirus scanner) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/vc/bin/AvSniff.cab
O16 - DPF: {406B5949-7190-4245-91A9-30A17DE16AD0} (Snapfish Activia) - http://www1.snapfish.co.uk/SnapfishUKActivia.cab
O16 - DPF: {474F00F5-3853-492C-AC3A-476512BBC336} (UploadListView Class) - http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/s/v/25.24/uploader2.cab
O16 - DPF: {644E432F-49D3-41A1-8DD5-E099162EEEC5} (Symantec RuFSI Utility Class) - http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/SharedContent/common/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E5E167B-1566-4316-B27F-0DDAB3484CF7} (Image Uploader Control) - http://www.mypix.com/uk/uk/importer/ImageUploader4.cab
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://fpdownload2.macromedia.com/get/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {D821DC4A-0814-435E-9820-661C543A4679} (CRLDownloadWrapper Class) - http://drmlicense.one.microsoft.com/crlupdate/en/crlocx.ocx
O16 - DPF: {DE625294-70E6-45ED-B895-CFFA13AEB044} (AxisMediaControlEmb Class) - http://webcam1.timesofmalta.com/activex/AMC.cab
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgpp.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\avgrsstx.dll
O23 - Service: ArcSoft Connect Daemon (ACDaemon) - ArcSoft Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\ArcSoft\Connection Service\Bin\ACService.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Free E-mail Scanner (avg9emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Free WatchDog (avg9wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG9\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate1c98f9eb9dba878) (gupdate1c98f9eb9dba878) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
O23 - Service: KService - Kontiki Inc. - C:\Program Files\Kontiki\KService.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe

--
End of file - 10158 bytes

Run the scan again, and check mark the items I have listed below.

C:\Program Files\Kontiki\KService.exe

C:\Documents and Settings\Nell\Application Data\Smilebox\SmileboxTray.exe

O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {CCC7A320-B3CA-4199-B1A6-9F516DD69829} - (no file)

O4 - HKCU\.. \Run: [SmileboxTray] "C:\Documents and Settings\Nell\Application Data\Smilebox\SmileboxTray.exe"

O8 - Extra context menu item: &Search - ?p=ZN

O23 - Service: KService - Kontiki Inc. - C:\Program Files\Kontiki\KService.exe

Hit fix once you find them and select them.

Go to the Start Menu > Programs > Startup>

Delete any mention of Adobe Air (Right Click > Delete)

Download CCleaner (http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download/portable/downloadfile) and open the zip file and run CCleaner.exe.

Do a reg scan, and fix all errors. You may have to scan two or three times to get all the errors.

Once you've done that, reboot and post back.

Once you've done that, reboot and post back.

Done as you suggested but could not find the first 2 items (C:\ ). CCleaner did not find any errors and on rebooting the initial Adobe message had disappeared, to be replaced by one saying that the PC needs Adobe Air to function properly - or words to the effect.
I seem to be going round in circles...
Any further suggestions?
And thank you for giving it so much of your time!

Can you post the exact error message?