Maybe I'm being over suspicious, but there was a pretty weird file that I found in my registry when I did a routine "trojan/spyware/adware spotcheck": HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\PROTECTED STORAGE PROVIDER\*LOCAL MACHINE*/Jenna Odgers (that's my name :O) The values included something like this: http://google.com/navigation_wrapper.html.StringData Now the Net addresses vary, and are basically sites that I've been to in the past -- some are months or even a year old. Another key below *Local Machine* is User Information. I'm not too sure, but I only remembered seeing this registry key after I installed Ad-aware and its peripheral, Refupdate. It's probably just me, though. My first instinct was to delete the entire string of keys (they seem pretty likely to be spyware or trojan virus stuff), but I thought I'd ask around to see if this stuff is a bunch of legitimate keys before sending them tumbling into the digital lava pit.

Well until I read this q article I wouldn't delete anything. Q216382 Click here

Jenna, I have the same in my registry. Well in doesn't have Jenna however it has mesich. It is a valid entry if you have set up outlook express on your PC. Mesich

If you enter personal info on your machine , it has to be stored somewhere. That 'somewhere' is in the registry, and mostly under 'user' headings. Your computer IS the local machine, so there has to be referance to it for the OS to make it run. To maintain anonimity, use generic terms whenever possible and NO un-needed personal info. Eg: computer name = Computer owner's name = The User address = 111 Any Street, Anytown At times one must enter personal info. Eg: your phone no. if you use FAX software.

Is there a way to "safely" search the registry and any findings of my "real" name be changed to a ficticiuos name? By doing that though (changing the name to a false name), will I confuse my system? Are there safe places in the registry that the name can be changed with NO effect on the running of my computer?

AFAIK - the MS file "c:\Windows\System\Pstores.exe" which is "Protected Storage Server" driver is responsible for these entries in the registry. I dont know yet what happens when they are removed.