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So, given what you know about my system, in my current state, would you recommend reformatting and reinstalling WinXP?
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Well, your current state has little bearing on my recommendation. Plain and simply, if it were me and my system had a backdoor trojan--I'd reformat and reinstall.
As far as your second question goes, sure. Malware writers come out with new files/folders/registry entries and ways to infect systems all the time. The AV and Anti Malware Companies cannot possibly cover every contingency. Malware writers come up with something new, the Anti Malware Community finds out and updates.
To be as safe as possible, it's a matter of keeping Windows XP updated, being careful of the sites you visit, and where you download programs from. File sharing such as P2P programs would also put anyone at an extra risk of infection.
Take a look at these well written articles:
PC Safety and Security--What Do I Need?
HOW DID I GET INFECTED IN THE FIRST PLACE? by Tony Klein
MAKING INTERNET EXPLORER SAFER
Understanding and Using Firewalls
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