i used the recovery cd and my comp is working again. it told me id lost some active x files and would need to re install them. does anyone know where i can find them to install them. thanks a lot

It probably meant you'll need to download, flash, shockwave, Windows Update activeX control etc. You should go to Windows Update first and download all Critical Updates listed for your pc, cumulative patches may contain smaller previous updates, so you might want to start at the earliest cumulative patch, install it, reboot and see how many critical updates are listed again, then download the next cumulative patch chronologically till no more critical updates are listed. You will be prompted (if your security is set up correctly) to install flash, shockwave etc. when you run across sites that need the plugins, or you can go to the Macromedia site (google search for flash shockwave test) and you can install them from there. If you use IE for surfing the web, you should install Spywareblaster to prevent malicious "drive-by" downloads as soon as possible.

thank you very much leroi. you dont know how much i appreciate the help. i really have trouble even reporting the computer jargon and i know it cant be easy figuring out what im saying.right when i think i understand comp a little then some other thing happens and im stunned again. just thanks again