Computer troubles...requesting help.

Ok, so my computer has been acting up lately. Its an '06 dell laptop and it really is on its last leg. I need to milk its life as long as possible right now though (really don't want to shell out a $1,000 right now). I opened my task manager and I had like 30+ mshta.exe running in my processes. Its my understanding that mshta.exe is an important process, but I assume some malware/spyware bearing the same name has infected my computer. Trouble is, AVG, MalwareBytes, and SuperAntiSpyware can't find shit. I have run numerous full scans with all three of them in hopes that I can catch it, but no luck. With MalwareBytes and SuperAntiSpyware I actually had to rename them just so they would open. Was wondering if anyone knows what to do...or knows of another (free/trial) program that may catch it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hmm mshta.exe itself its not spyware but when you say you have 30+ running that is really wierd, sometimes virus try and use similar names to try and trick you so it may be a virus. One program I have had success with removing spyware is Spyboy Search and Destroy (just google it) im pretty sure its free, if not you could probably torrent it.

Good Luck

run TDSS killer Its helps find the TDSS root kit which is a huge pain in the ass.
Also run this: Eset online scanner its an online scanner that does a wicked job of finding some hard to find viruses.

Then run Malwarebytes/superantispyware.

And on a side note, AVG sucks now. Download Microsoft security essentials. Much better.

Malwarebytes AntiMalware, should be the first thing to run Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware: Malwarebytes. Good software.

Thanks everyone! I was able to clear some stuff off and I'm still working on it. I appreciate all the help.

If you've been running the same installation of windows for five years it might be a good idea to reinstall windows. It's easier than it sounds and it'll probably get you better results than running those antimalware programs.

This belongs in Tech Talk or whatever tech sub-forum there is nowadays. Approving mod should have already moved! :)

moved to tech talk