I assume that you had LW starting up by itself prior to the uninstallation as described in this thread:
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/showthread.php?t=41432
If so, then you're right. You got a virus. But "this crap" id not LW, it's the file you downloaded from the network containing the virus and you not scanning it properly with an up-to-date AV program.......
To prevent such things from happining again, consider to use the following programs to protect your computer:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/(free) http://www.grisoft.com(good free AVG) http://www.ewido.com(free trial which can still be used and updated after the period has ended -the best in my opinion) http://www.ccleaner.com/download/(free) Spybot - Search & Destroy (FREE)
If you can't get rid of the virus by yourself, go here and get some free computer help:
http://norbiesworld.co.uk/computerhelp 