[Techtalk] Getting rid of spyware

[Dan Richter]

My wife installed some free product she got off the Internet, and now 
she's got something stuck in her browser that opens pop-up windows with 
ads at random occasions. (This is true even when she's on the corporate 
internal website, which of course doesn't have ads.) Needless to say, 
she's using Windoze and Internet Exploiter.

This arguably isn't spyware because it isn't hidden, but it's still 
annoying. Does anyone know of a good way to find out what it is and/or 
get rid of it?

-- 
  Indeed, I've noticed a number of these [virus] emails today - I'd
  click on it, have a laugh and delete it. Of course, I run Linux so
  I am completely immune - Windoze users, do not try this.
        - "sloanster", on Slashdot