Help-Will this work???USB/Ethernet adaptor for temporary connection

MrEL

Hello MSErs
I was hoping someone could give me some pointers on the following dilemma . I’ll explain as briefly as possible what I am trying to do and can expand if further info is required.
I’ve got a spare older XP Home computer that a friend gave me that was riddled with trojans and spyware after being used on the net with no protection. I managed to get Spybot onto this computer via a memory stick and removed all nasties apart from Ezula HotText(according to Spybot). What I am trying to do is disconnect my main computer and temporarily connect old computer to my existing Virgin Media broadband so that I can download further anti-virus programs to clean old computer and give to someone else who is a computer newbie.
Now where I am coming unstuck is that the older computer has no Ethernet connection only a v.92 modem. To get around this I bought a USB to Ethernet adaptor from Maplins but after installing the USB/Ethernet adaptor and installing Virgin Media broadband setup CD (which did not fully install as it came up with a message basically saying set-up was not required as USB/Ethernet Adaptor was working) and creating a new internet connection I still cannot seem to connect. New internet connection appears to be running fine, USB/Ethernet adaptor seems fine but no joy on connection front. I know the broadband connection to the computer should be fine as I can reconnect my main computer to the net with no problems.
Maybe I am missing something simple or maybe what I am trying to do is unrealistic. I would greatly appreciate if anyone has any suggestions on what to try next.

Thanks

superscaper

As an aside have you tried scanning with spybot while in safe mode? Also try using superantispyware (same method save to and install from your memory stick).

Are you connecting the ethernet to a modem or a router. If a router then there's definitely no need to install any software from Virgin (and in fact I'd highly recommend you don't).

PeteHerts

Might be cheaper to install a network card and then whoever you give the PC to will be able to connect that to their router so kill 2 birds with 1 stone so to speak.

shadowdragon

If I remember correctly the NTL modem the NTL100 NTL200s etc need a .sys file, I know my uncles machine wouldnt work when he had it reinstalled, when it detects the modem it asked for this particular file through the add hardware wizard and that got it working.

MrEL

Thanks for your replies superscraper and PeteHerts. I haven't tried Spybot in safe mode but I will, thanks for the suggestion. I'll also try superantispyware (i used Spybot only because I am familiar with it).
I have the broadband cable running from the router into the USB/Ethernet adaptor and into the computer via USB port. I have been able to connect the old computer to the net using the built-in v.92 modem, standard phone line and a free dial-up connection site(ukfreeisp.co.uk) but dial-up was too slow for downloading anti-virus software.
In terms of the network card I was thinking (perhaps wrongly) that the USB/Ethernet adaptor performed the same function but was plug and play so to speak.
Once again thank you.

MrEL

Thanks shadowdragon, I'll run through the suggestions and post results.