Each time I boot up, I get the "Windows Installer" dialog box which lasts a few seconds and then disappears. How can I get rid of this? Thanks you.

Go to Microsoft Knowledge Base and search for Windows Installer. http://support.microsoft.com/search... You can try Error Checking for windows xp or sfc /scannow 1. Error Checking- This takes about 35 minutes. Start - my computer - right click local disk (C) - properties - Tools Tab - Error checking section - Check now - check mark both boxes - Start - This requires a restart to begin. 2. Start - Run - type - sfc /scannow - OK Don't forget the space between c and / You may need the Recovery CD if any thing is found wrong. Don't insert unless asked for. Takes about 35 minutes.

Cboy, Thank you for your response; choice 1 worked.

I have a similar problem. When I boot up, a Windows Installer box pops up reading, "Preparing to install..." with a [Cancel] button. When I hit cancel, it pops up again (about three or four times usually) and after that my computer will run extremely slow or freeze completely. I booted in safe mode and tried both of your suggestions cboy, but when I attempted the error checking, it read, "Windows is unable to check this disk." and when I tried the SFC, the command prompt box popped up for a split second and then disappeared. I installed Norton AntiVirus, although I've heard that the anitvirus itself has been known to cause problems. But everytime I run a full system scan it detects a trojan.vundo and I tell it to fix the problem and it says "Risk Partially Resolved." I downloaded VundoFix and that didn't even detect the trojan horse. I don't know what else to do. I'm using a friend's laptop, because my computer won't eevn open open any applications. Please can someone help me?