Judging from the post here and lack of MU posts, I'd have to conclude that this exercise of disinfection took longer than reinstalling. It normally takes me less than an afternoon to do a fresh install (ie new computer or reformat). One way to facilitate this is to keep a text file with a list of the software you have installed so you just go down the list. So IMO "risk value" would favor a reinstall as both safer and easier.

Anyhow, it's pointless to go back and forth. So if AE is happy with the computer and is back to writing then that really what I care about. Your thoughts on security are not of great interest to me. (Hmm that sounds deliciously haughty, but really I don't see a point in arguing.)