corrupt file/virus?

I booted up and after the windows splash screen I got a message headed "Pwr~32". The message was 10048 API on "bin". That was it. There was an OK button so I clicked on it, but the message kept returning no matter how many times I did it.
When I rebooted, this message came up and was followed by another a few seconds later until my screen began to fill up.
I rebooted in safe mode and windows did start without the annoying little message, but I couldn't access the internet.
I looked for a file or directory containing API or "bin" but really didn't know what I was looking for.
I got a DOS prompt and some floppies to pull off whatever info I thought I should try to save and did a FORMAT c:. I then reinstalled windows and haven't seen the pesky little message, but I wonder if it's hiding in there somewhere?
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

did you do a complete f/disk & reformat?
If not , I think you should scan to make sure .

My advice is go to housecalls & run the free online virus scanner.
Click here to do so!

for a free virus scanner you can add to your system... go get AVG. Click here to download AVG

and to protect yourself from hackers etc... Get Zone Alarm
Click here the free version is fine


then there is spyware ... go get Ad-Aware
Click here to download it


this should keep you in pretty good shape

Savvy

 

I don't know what pwr~32 was but it was probably overkill to do a format to get rid of it.

Familiarize yourself with the techniques of "clean boot" troubleshooting using msconfig and the next time something like that pops up you will probably be able to isolate and disable or remove it.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q188867