dear shelf life, it seems that we have come to the end of this false-rootkit / malware hunt. i have gained a lot of insight in a number of aspects related to malware that i'll hopefully apply better in the future. i still have to find out why my pc keeps on crushing though; after the final system restore reset, malware don't seem to be the ones to blame anymore. i would like to thank you for all your patience and work. i really appreciate your: - clear and coincise language - skills to inspire trust - attention to details and till-the-very-end support thanks to all this my data is safe, my system still working and, MOST important of all, i don't feel overridden by a sense of impotence. :-) *