I got the task manager working again by addressing the binary bit in the registry. The malware had set the bit to 1 for disable task manager. setting it back to 0 worked.
Meanwhile, I am getting hit hard with dangerous tracking cookies using Firefox. IE7 seems free from these malicious attacks. It looks like these evil crooks are focusing their attention on Firefox now. Not that I can do anything about it if true but wouldn't it be a scream if these attacks were actually being caused by MS? Just a thought.
I now have both AVG and PCTools scanning for tracking cookies on this computer.
Future strategy- I'm seriously considering putting my MAC to use just for internet browsing and removing this office computer from any internet surfing. I really need this machine for accounting and other serious work. From what I have heard, while not 100% immune, Macs are far less trouble WRT attacks. Any thoughts on this strategy?