I cannot remove or add programs.

I have picked up something and cannot find it. When I delete a program from my
hard drive or if I download something to my hard drive and then I reboot, everything that was deleted is back and what was downloaded is gone. I have detected trojans and viruses, but when I remove them and reboot they are back again.

Help if you will, Dave

 

Try to clean the registry for the application which you are not able to remove but before that I think you need a good Antivirus

There are some trojans which do not allow to perform any admin task on the system , just check if you have admin right or you lost it

 

I can remove all programs, but when I reboot they are back. The same way if I download new software, once I reboot it is gone.

 

Is the machine using Steady State or some kind of imaging program that returns it? What OS?

 

I don't know what "Steady State" is. I am using XP.I have ran every Virus protection and several malwares programs. If they found anything, they cleaned them, but when I rebooted they were right back as before.

 

Well its upto you then it will be wise to clean reinstal windows.

 

I agree. I would just wipe it and start over at this point.

 

A format is now scheduled! I thought all along I may need to do so, but I was trying to avoid it and you have convinced me to do the right thing.

Thanks for all your assistance, Da ve