After I run: msconfig, when I uncheck Startup items in System Config Utility, error messge: "An Access Denied Error was returned while attempting to change a Service. You may need to log on using an Administrator account to make specified changes." I am the Administrator and sole user of this computer. I cannot download Adobe Flash Player 9 for the same reason (in IE7). I have tried this: logged on as the Default Administrator acct., created and deleted various accounts, changed passwords, etc. Now, about half the links I click on, don't work. Without Administrative privileges, I have no control over my pc. Someone suggested I have a virus. I have McAfee, and it comes up clear. I read in a database that after installing IE7 on XP XP2 this happens to people, but no fix was offered. Before I get rid of IE7, I'd like to know if that is even a reasonable possibility. Also, which is preferable, a PC Restore which takes the computer back to the original factory settings or a reformat and XP SP2 reinstall? I don't know if this is ok or not, my Windows folder under Docs and Settings/My Name is empty, but the Windows folder under Docs and Settings has all the files. I ran:sfc /scannow command and everything was there. I am not on any network that I know of. Also, in My Computer, there is no " Local Users and Groups), it just says: Computer Management (Local). I thought I might be able to add Administrators like that. I have the default Administrator account (Home Edition) and my account is listed as Computer Administrator. I just don't have the privileges!! I REALLY NEED A CYBER-WIZARD TO HELP ME!!!! Thank you. "It"s good to be king" ...Mel Brooks

Have seen similar symptoms caused by spyware, try scanning with Spybot and Superantispyware.com

See Response #1 by Tufenuf in http://computing.net/windowsxp/wwwb... HTH Bryan