My computer seems to hate me. System restore will not work anymore. The internet freezes for 10-20 seconds at a go. I keep getting messages that my firewall is not turned on, when it actually IS turned on. Is my computer possessed? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

Please post a Hijack This log so that the files associated with the virus/spyware/hijacker can be identified.

Please download HJTsetup.exe from this link http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/files/HJTsetup.exe to your desktop.
Doubleclick on the HJTsetup.exe icon on your desktop.
By default it will install to C:\Program Files\Hijack This.
Continue to click "next" in the setup dialogue boxes until you get to the "Select Addition Tasks" dialogue.
Put a check by "Create a desktop icon" then click "Next" again.
Continue to follow the rest of the prompts from there.
At the final dialogue box click "Finish" and it will launch Hijack This.
Click on the "Do a system scan and save a logfile" button. It will scan and the log should open in notepad.
Click on "Edit > Select All" then click on "Edit > Copy" to copy the entire contents of the log and post it in this thread.

Do not fix anything yet unless you know what you are doing. This is a powerful tool that can crash the computer if used improperly.

Here is my Hijack This log.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 9:33:52 PM, on 2/16/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16414)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLAcsd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\TopSpeed\2.0\aoltsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\arservice.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\ISafe.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software\dvpapi.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ARPWRMSG.EXE
C:\Program Files\DISC\DISCover.exe
C:\Program Files\DISC\DiscUpdateMgr.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPwuSchd2.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\1143589101\ee\AOLSoftware.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\AOLSPY~1\AOLSP Scheduler.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\VERIZO~1\HELPSU~1\VERIZO~1.EXE
C:\Program Files\Verizon\Servicepoint\VerizonServicepoint.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\CAVTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\CAVRID.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\YOP\yop.exe
C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\VS7DEBUG\MDM.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Verizon Online\ConnMgr\cmisrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Updates from HP\9972322\Program\Updates from HP.exe
C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\VetMsg.exe
C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Common\ViewpointService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\browser\ycommon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Verizon Online\AppMgr\vzOpenUIServer.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSTE08.exe
C:\Program Files\DISC\DiscStreamHub.exe
C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Viewpoint Manager\ViewMgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ALCXMNTR.EXE
C:\Program Files\ATI Technologies\ATI Control Panel\atiptaxx.exe
c:\windows\system\hpsysdrv.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe
c:\progra~1\common~1\instal~1\update~1\isuspm.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\agent.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
c:\program files\common files\aol\1143589101\ee\aexplore.exe
C:\Program Files\Hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?T...
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = https://sso.verizon.net/ssowebapp/VOLPortalLogin?ActualTarget=https://netservices.verizon.net/portal/verizon/protected/afterssologin.jsp?a=b
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?Lin...
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?Lin...
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?T...
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?Lin...
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?Lin...
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = wmplayer.exe //ICWLaunch
R3 - URLSearchHook: AOLTBSearch Class - {EA756889-2338-43DB-8F07-D1CA6FB9C90D} - C:\Program Files\AOL\AOL Toolbar 3.0\aoltb.dll
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: AOL Toolbar Launcher - {7C554162-8CB7-45A4-B8F4-8EA1C75885F9} - C:\Program Files\AOL\AOL Toolbar 3.0\aoltb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: AOL Toolbar - {DE9C389F-3316-41A7-809B-AA305ED9D922} - C:\Program Files\AOL\AOL Toolbar 3.0\aoltb.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AlwaysReady Power Message APP] ARPWRMSG.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPHUPD08] "c:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\{33D6CC28-9F75-4d1b-A11D-98895B3A3729}\hphupd08.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DISCover] "C:\Program Files\DISC\DISCover.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DiscUpdateManager] "C:\Program Files\DISC\DiscUpdateMgr.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPBootOp] "C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Boot Optimizer\HPBootOp.exe" /run
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] "C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPwuSchd2.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HostManager] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\1143589101\ee\AOLSoftware.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AOLDialer] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLDial.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AOL Spyware Protection] "C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\AOL\AOLSPY~1\AOLSP Scheduler.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Pure Networks Port Magic] "C:\PROGRA~1\PURENE~1\PORTMA~1\PortAOL.exe" -Run
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [A Verizon App] C:\PROGRA~1\VERIZO~1\HELPSU~1\VERIZO~1.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VerizonServicepoint.exe] "C:\Program Files\Verizon\Servicepoint\VerizonServicepoint.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CaAvTray] "C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\CAVTray.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CAVRID] "C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\CAVRID.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [YOP] "C:\PROGRA~1\Yahoo!\YOP\yop.exe" /autostart
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [KBD] C:\HP\KBD\KBD.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Works Update Detection] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] "c:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\INSTAL~1\UPDATE~1\isuspm.exe" -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Aim6] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\Launch\AOLLaunch.exe" /d locale=en-US ee://aol/imApp
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [updateMgr] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\AdobeUpdateManager.exe" AcRdB7_0_7 -reboot 1
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [BitTorrent] "C:\Program Files\BitTorrent\bittorrent.exe" --force_start_minimized
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O4 - Global Startup: Updates from HP.lnk = C:\Program Files\Updates from HP\9972322\Program\Updates from HP.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: &AOL Toolbar Search - c:\program files\aol\aol toolbar 3.0\resources\en-US\local\search.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: AOL Toolbar - {3369AF0D-62E9-4bda-8103-B4C75499B578} - C:\Program Files\AOL\AOL Toolbar 3.0\aoltb.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Connection Help - {E2D4D26B-0180-43a4-B05F-462D6D54C789} - C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\Vendors\CN=Hewlett-Packard,L=Cupertino,S=Ca,C=US\IEButton\support.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Connection Help - {E2D4D26B-0180-43a4-B05F-462D6D54C789} - C:\WINDOWS\PCHEALTH\HELPCTR\Vendors\CN=Hewlett-Packard,L=Cupertino,S=Ca,C=US\IEButton\support.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O15 - Trusted Zone: http://*.trymedia.com (HKLM)
O16 - DPF: {193C772A-87BE-4B19-A7BB-445B226FE9A1} (ewidoOnlineScan Control) - http://downloads.ewido.net/ewidoOnl...
O16 - DPF: {6218F7B5-0D3A-48BA-AE4C-49DCFA63D400} (CSEQueryObject Object) - http://www.myheritage.com/Genoogle/...
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O23 - Service: AOL Connectivity Service (AOL ACS) - AOL LLC - C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\ACS\AOLAcsd.exe
O23 - Service: AOL TopSpeed Monitor (AOL TopSpeedMonitor) - America Online, Inc - C:\Program Files\Common Files\AOL\TopSpeed\2.0\aoltsmon.exe
O23 - Service: Ati HotKey Poller - ATI Technologies Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Ati2evxx.exe
O23 - Service: CAISafe - Computer Associates International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\ISafe.exe
O23 - Service: DvpApi (dvpapi) - Command Software Systems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Command Software\dvpapi.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: VET Message Service (VETMSGNT) - Computer Associates International, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Antivirus\VetMsg.exe
O23 - Service: Viewpoint Manager Service - Viewpoint Corporation - C:\Program Files\Viewpoint\Common\ViewpointService.exe
O23 - Service: YPCService - Yahoo! Inc. - C:\WINDOWS\system32\YPCSER~1.EXE

Run hijack This, close all windows and browsers except Hijack this, place a check to the left of the following items and press "fix checked":

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?T...

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?T...

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = wmplayer.exe //ICWLaunch

O15 - Trusted Zone: http://*.trymedia.com (HKLM) If you installed this don't remove it

O16 - DPF: {6218F7B5-0D3A-48BA-AE4C-49DCFA63D400} (CSEQueryObject Object) - http://www.myheritage.com/Genoogle/...

Exit Hijack this.

Please download SmitFraudFix from this link http://siri.urz.free.fr/Fix/Smitfra... Then extract the contents to your desktop.
!!!! Only run option #1 as runing the other options on an uninfected computer will damage the desktop.!!!!
Open the "SmitfraudFix" folder and double-click "smitfraudfix.cmd"
Select option #1 - Search by typing 1 and press "Enter"; a text file will appear, which lists infected files (if present).
Please copy/paste the content of that report into your next reply.
Note : process.exe is detected by some antivirus programs (AntiVir, Dr.Web, Kaspersky) as a "RiskTool"; it is not a virus, but a program used to stop system processes. Antivirus programs cannot distinguish between "good" and "malicious" use of such programs, therefore they may alert the user.

Thank you! I will try this right away and let you know the results.

Ok, I did the Hijack This fix, and here is the Smitfraudfix report...

SmitFraudFix v2.142

Scan done at 23:31:25.76, Fri 02/16/2007
Run from C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\Desktop\SmitfraudFix\SmitfraudFix
OS: Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600] - Windows_NT
The filesystem type is NTFS
Fix run in normal mode

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» hosts

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\WINDOWS

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\WINDOWS\system

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\WINDOWS\Web

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\WINDOWS\system32

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Administrator\Application Data

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Start Menu

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\DOCUME~1\HP_ADM~1\FAVORI~1

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Desktop

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» C:\Program Files

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Corrupted keys

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Desktop Components

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\Components\0]
"Source"="About:Home"
"SubscribedURL"="About:Home"
"FriendlyName"="My Current Home Page"

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Sharedtaskscheduler
!!!Attention, following keys are not inevitably infected!!!

SrchSTS.exe by S!Ri
Search SharedTaskScheduler's .dll

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» AppInit_DLLs
!!!Attention, following keys are not inevitably infected!!!

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows]
"AppInit_DLLs"=""

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Winlogon.System
!!!Attention, following keys are not inevitably infected!!!

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
"System"=""

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» pe386-msguard-lzx32-huy32

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» Scanning wininet.dll infection

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» End

I don't see anything there.

Please download ATF-Cleaner to your desktop from this link
http://www.atribune.org/content/view/19/2/ We will need it later in safe mode

Download and install AVG Anti-Spyware We will need this later in safe mode

Be sure to update AVG Anti- Spyware

Empty the restore folder. Go to start>control panel>system>system restore tab>check the box beside "turn off system restore>apply (takes a minute)>ok. Go back and uncheck the box to turn system restore back on>apply>ok.

Next, please reboot your computer in Safe Mode by doing the following :

Restart your computer

After hearing your computer beep once during startup, but before the Windows icon appears, tap the F8 key continually;

Instead of Windows loading as normal, a menu with options should appear;

Select the first option, to run Windows in Safe Mode, then press "Enter".

Choose your usual account.

Run ATF-Cleaner from safe mode.Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
Under Main choose: Select All
Click the Empty Selected button.

In Safe Mode, run AVG Anti-spyware and click on the Scanner tab at the top. Click the "Settings" tab and then change the recommended action to Quarantine and click Automatically generate report after every scan. Click back to the "Scan" tab and then click on Complete System Scan. This scan can take quite a while to run, so be prepared.

AVG Anti-Spyware will list any infections found on the left hand side. When the scan has finished, it will automatically set the recommended action. Click the Apply all actions button. AVG Anti-Spyware will display "All actions have been applied" on the right hand side.

Click on "Save Report", then "Save Report As". This will create a text file. Make sure you know where to find this file again (like on the Desktop).

Post The AVG-AntiSpyware report please.

Ok, but it may take me a while to do this step. I have to go out and pick up my husband from work. I will get it done as soon as I can. Thank you for all your help so far.

I followed all your directions, but according to AVG Anti-Spyware, nothing was found, therefore, I have no report to post.

Go to start> run> type "msconfig" without the quotes> ok> services tab> scroll down to and see if there is a green check beside "system restore service". In the status colunm it should be "running". Let me know what you find.

It is marked as running, but when I clicked OK to close it out, an error box jumped up. It said: "An Access Denied error was returned while attempting to change a service. You may need to log on using an Administrator account to make the specific changes". When I hit the ok button on the error message, it popped up another button that said; "You must restart your computer for some of the changes made by System Configuration to take effect". I chose to continue without restarting. I didn't choose to change anything, I just viewed the results of 'msconfig'.

Also, my computer is still telling my my firewall is disabled, but when I open Start>Control Panel>Windows Firewall, it is listed as being on...

I think you have a corrupted user profile and there is basically one way to find out. Create a new user profile> copy your user profile to it> delete the old user profile.

It is not that complicated. Follow the directions at this link How to create a new user profile

You could create a new user profile and give it administrative priviledges and see if the problem exist in the new account.

Thanks, I will try that next!

Ok, here's what happened. I created the new account and gave it adminstrative rights. Then I copied the files, minus the three they said not to copy. I pasted the files into the new account, as directed, and everything seemed to be going well. Then I got this message...

Error copying file or folder
Cannot copy security.config.cch.4924: Access is denied
Make sure the disk is not full or write protected and that the file is not currently in use.

What now?

Copy the instructions then try it in safe mode.

Thanks, I'll try that next.

Ok, once again, no luck. I ran it in safe mode, and this time I got a different error message.

This one reads:

Error Copying File or Folder Index.dat Cookies
Cannot copy index: The requested operation cannot be performed on a file with a user-mapped section open.

I am about to give up hope...

Most likely you just have a profile problem and it can be fixed. Just finding the cause and the the path to fix it takes a little time.

Often file converting programs like "Nero" take over some file association so that they are used as the default to open several types of files on demand. To check this do the following.

Set up the computer to view hidden files by going to start>control panel>folder options>view tab>tick the circle beside "show hidden files and folders" and untick the box beside "hide extensions of known file types" and "hide protected system operating files">apply>ok.

Then navigate to C:\Documents and Folders\corupt user profile(every wich user that is). The Ntuser.dat file is usually the effected file so right click it> click properties> to the right of "open with" should be "notepad". If something else is there click "change"> click notepad to highlight it> click ok.

Then try to change the user profile from normal mode.

The Ntuser.dat file seems to be ok. It says 'notepad' next to 'open with'.