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I have to spend time every day cleaning this stuff of of client's computers.

There are an enormous number of utterly bogus 'spyware remover' utilities available on the web. If you got one that said, 'I found the problem, give me money and I'll remove it', you got taken. It will remove some and put some more on. All of the real malware removers that are not scams will at least give you a trial period. Some of them you can pay for later, to extend the amount of time that they permit updates.

There are some good utilities out there. Go to
http://spywarewarrior.com/sww-help.htm for a list of good ones that you can download. Additionaly, Spywarewarrior.com maintains a list of bogus or ineffective utilities.

Removing malware is like weeding the garden- you probably will never really get it all out, unless you really go after it. Also, some of the files that you remove will immediately regenerate themselves. These can be tough to defeat. Fortunately, you will probably be able to get your computer back under control and usable again with what you can get from the above link. You will need to use several programs to get best results- none of the good ones remove everything.

Microsoft Antispyware Beta
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Adaware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Spybot Search and Destroy
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

Try these for starters. After installation, remember to update each them.

I use:

1) Firefox browser

2) Thunderbird Email app

3) ZoneAlarm Pro firewall (and a hardware DSL switch)

4) MS Antispyware

I have no problems whatsoever. Zero.

We got hit with the Aurora.exe virus - popups galore, and I don't even use IE!!! Tried Hijackthis, adaware, msft anti-spyware, etc. I never did squash this stuff completely until I totally crapped out the system byy deleting some needed dll file, and then i couldn't get the computer out of safe mode. !$#@%!!.

At the end of the day, I wasted many hours with it and wound up re-installing the operating system.

Lessons learned?
1) keep important data on removable media (usb h/d)
2) keep the kids off of cartoon sites (gosh, why are they putting this stuff up for free?)
3) keep software cd's handy. Keep registrations handy.
4) Shock me! microsoft anti-spyware seems to me to be the best at catching attempts to hijack browsers. Great program.
%) Shock me #2: I am on the same side as elliot spitzer in this.

The amount of productivity devoted to getting rid of and protecting from this stuff must be staggering. Sadly, I doubt there ever will be a solution via legislation/lawsuits. Too much can float in to my house from overseas. I'd expect the same in telemarketing as telecom costs come down.