system
12
shutterbug,
You may find not only this article interesting, but go to the Symantec link provided and insure that YOUR removal was complete. Apparently, the Internet Optimizer virus (which isn’t really a virus but Spy/Adware gets into the registry as well.
Symantec seems to have provided excellent instructions on removal.
Once you are assured that you have removed all traces of “virus”, then I think we need to discuss reinstalling IE6, and even contemplate a reformat. I know that it is a lot of work, but I am afraid that whatever file/s were corrupted or changed by the IOV, may not be isolated.
Ok, here is the article:
A new ruse similar to Friend Greetings is being circulated via email and Instant Messenger. Engineered by Avenue Media NV of Curacao, this latest trick invites recipients to visit a website to view free video clips - one of which is allegedly a film clip of Bill Gates being hit in the face with a custard pie. Recipients who click the link provided in the email or Instant Message will be invited to install an application dubbed “Internet Optimizer” (IO). As part of the installation process, users must agree to the End User License Agreement (EULA). The EULA gives Avenue Media permission to send similar messages to all of their email and Instant Messenger contacts. In addition, agreeing to the EULA gives Avenue Media the right to remote access, including the ability to update or install new programs. Though not a virus, these programs are often referred to as Internet parasites and fall into the category of Spyware and Adware.
And, here is the link
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/adware.netoptimizer.html
Since the IOV could have installed programs on your computer, you need to look in the Programs directory for apps that you did not install and then the Registry keys for any software that is unfamiliar to you.
Lastly, (if you haven’t done so by now) run an Adware/Spyware removal program such as Adaware6 or Spybot. Let’s clean the putter out real good! 
techie101