I have several problems, but most programs work. Seemed to occur after installing a spyware program; have uninstalled it. At sign- on, I get msg. "looking for a device..." or similar. Maybe I need to reinstall XP Pro? Don't know how this works, only how to use it. If I reinstall XP Pro, does it store over everything or only add what is missing? Don't want to make this worse & am trying to avoid repair costs. BTW; it starts in "Live Update 2"

a repair install might help: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/... All you should lose are the critical updates. Sounds like you also have a malware problem. http://weaknetlabs.com/texts/pdf/wi... Some HELP in posting on Computing.net plus free progs and instructions Cheers

Thanks. But to get Windows Updates etc. you have to use I.E. (which I don't). AND you have to install ActiveX in order to even see their stuff. I am reluctant to add anything to my misbehaving CPU. Any hints?

Are you "sure" you "have" to use IE for windows updates? Visit the site where they can be downloaded en-mass...; save to the HD; then install them from there? I use Firefox and when the auto-updates for XP pops up... I select those I want and they are downloaded - and I don't see any IE involvement at all? This site has them for all flavours of windows etc... for download. http://www.softwarepatch.com/window... and this video tutorial: http://www.top-windows-tutorials.co... and this extract from a rather useful book... tells you how to do it manually... Open a browser and enter the url for the updates site etc... (url is in the text). Sorry it's a lengthy link... http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=...

I take it that was an anti spyware program you installed and then uninstalled. You must have ran the program. The messages you are getting at boot up are items located in your startup menu looking for the body of the program that they have to execute. Of course they are not finding this program because your anit spyware program deleted it. What you have to do now is click start>Run and type in "msconfig" without the quotes. When the system configuration window opens then click on the startup tab at the top right. Uncheck everything that you do not absolutely need. You should only have two to four items left checked as those items are necessary. Antivirus. firewall etc. Click apply and OK. Reboot the computer and see if you still get the messages.