Critical System Errors

Ive been working on this Compaq Presario 5000, removing it of loads of spyware and viruses and such, but everytime i go into Windows, a flashing little icon in the toolbar that switched between an error sign and a windows downloader sign. If i but my cursor over it, it just says "critical system error." I don't know what it means and i need to know how to fix it.

Do you get any Stop Messages or Error Message? Is there any "symptom"? Are you getting a "popup" from around the same location on your screen, telling you that the machine is infected? There are several Malware infections - like SpyAxe - that place a similar warning in the Tray. I'd suggest Running a HJT and posting the Log into Malware Removal for expert analysis. If you are getting a Stop or an Error message - what is it specifically? Often the Error message will point to a Memory problem, but we'd need the exact error message to make informed recommendations to help you. Best Regards

There werent any pop ups or error messages but it was a registry problem. i dont know which one since i was fixing another problem (removing Virusbuster software) with a program called SmitfraudFix.exe. But thanks for putting me on the righttrack. My newest problem is that Windows Updates keeps downloading Windows Installer 3.1 instead of any critical updates, but should i put that into a new topic?

As to "getting on the right track", it is never recommended to "update" an infected system. You may have remnants of the infection that you were trying to remove, or other infections crowded in. Post the HJT Log over in Malware Removal, to help get the machine cleaned up, or assure that it is clean. Then we can take the next step of working on the Operating System and its updates. Best Regards