I checked this thread a little late but here are some recommendations for you for next time. When you want to format your harddrive and save here are the things you can do 1. Backup your data in another harddrive or burn it on a CD. 2. Format your harddrive, install the operating system, install patches and applications. 3. Restore the data. You can always install a second copy on top of the existing OS but that will not fix the problem you are having. Once you run applications like spybot, adaware or hijack in safe mode this it will clean your spyware. You do not have to reinstall the operating system to get rid of the spyware. I am sure you are using antivirus programs and update it periodically. Good luck trouble shooting. -shiv