how to get rid of ping.exe virus [Solved]

Excellent, thank you so much for all this help and info I have another quick question. What program or programs would you recommend to keep this new computer running well & virus/malware/adware free?

No problem Selene :).

For antivirus/antimalware/antispyware, I would recommend Microsoft Security Essentials. I would also recommend a third party browser like Firefox or Chrome (I use Chrome). I usually don't bother with third party firewalls if you are using a router. The built in Windows firewall does a fine job, so make sure to enable it.

Keep Windows and third party applications, especially Java, Adobe Reader, and Flash up to date. Secunia's Online Software Inspector can scan for and identify vulnerabilities in your system.

I also run CCleaner once a week to clean out temp files and cookies from my system.

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