Ok.Nearly done...

Have "Hijack This" fix all the following items in the list below by placing a check in the appropriate boxes.Confirm that you have only the listed ones checked, then press <Fix checked> and Close HJT.

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [3c9d7d32] rundll32.exe "C:\WINDOWS\system32\cefocatp.dll",b

Reboot.....
=================================
Please copy this page to *Notepad* and save to your desktop for reference as you will not have any browsers open while you are carrying out portions of these instructions.
It's IMPORTANT to carry out the instructions in the sequence listed below.
1. Close any open browsers.
2. Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.
Open *notepad* and copy/paste the text in the quotebox below into it:
Save this as CFScript.txt, in the same location as ComboFix.exe which is on the Desktop.


Refering to the picture above, drag CFScript.txt into ComboFix.exe

When finished, it shall produce a log for you at C:\ComboFix.txt
Please copy and paste the ComboFix.txt along with a fresh HijackThis log in your next reply please.

*Note:
Do not mouseclick combofix's window whilst it's running. That may cause it to stall*

thanks for this Pancake,

New ComboFix log;

ComboFix 08-03-22.1 - Michael 2008-03-23 9:45:01.2 - NTFSx86
Running from: C:\Documents and Settings\Michael\Desktop\ComboFix.exe
Command switches used :: C:\Documents and Settings\Michael\Desktop\CFScript.txt
FILE ::
C:\WINDOWS\system32\jjkkj.bak1
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mnnmp.bak1
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mnnmp.bak2
C:\WINDOWS\system32\sttss.bak1
C:\WINDOWS\system32\sttss.ini2
.
TimedOut: Windir.dat
TimedOut: progfile.dat
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Other Deletions )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.
C:\WINDOWS\system32\jjkkj.bak1
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mnnmp.bak1
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mnnmp.bak2
C:\WINDOWS\system32\sttss.bak1
C:\WINDOWS\system32\sttss.ini2
.
((((((((((((((((((((((((( Files Created from 2008-02-23 to 2008-03-23 )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.
2008-03-20 21:05 . 2008-03-20 21:43 <DIR> d-------- C:\Program Files\SIW
2008-03-13 19:50 . 2008-03-13 19:51 <DIR> d-------- C:\1aaecbb99c67a0c9cb0119
.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Find3M Report )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) ))
.
2008-03-23 09:50 10,383,392 --sha-w C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\fidbox.dat
2008-03-23 09:49 122,732 --sha-w C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\fidbox.idx
2008-03-22 20:28 --------- d-----w C:\Program Files\Mozilla Thunderbird
2008-03-20 20:59 --------- d-----w C:\Program Files\Trend Micro
2008-03-20 20:05 --------- d-----w C:\Documents and Settings\Michael\Application Data\AVG7
2008-02-12 06:28 --------- d-----w C:\Documents and Settings\Michael\Application Data\BitTorrent
2008-02-05 18:12 --------- d-----w C:\Program Files\SiSoftware
2008-02-03 15:45 --------- d-----w C:\Program Files\Smart PC Solutions
2008-02-03 15:45 --------- d-----w C:\Documents and Settings\Michael\Application Data\Smart PC Solutions
2008-02-02 18:32 --------- d-----w C:\Documents and Settings\Michael\Application Data\DNA
2008-02-02 17:49 --------- d-----w C:\Program Files\AbiSuite2
2008-01-26 21:49 --------- d-----w C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Application Data\AVG7
2008-01-24 21:01 --------- d-----w C:\Program Files\coverXP
2008-01-24 20:43 --------- d--h--w C:\Program Files\InstallShield Installation Information
2008-01-24 20:43 --------- d-----w C:\Documents and Settings\Michael\Application Data\AdobeUM
2008-01-24 20:38 --------- d-----w C:\Documents and Settings\Michael\Application Data\AdobeAUM
2008-01-23 06:26 --------- d-----w C:\Documents and Settings\Michael\Application Data\Media Player Classic
2008-01-16 11:24 472,576 ----a-w C:\WINDOWS\Nvidia Omega Drivers v2.169.21 Uninstall.exe
2007-10-22 19:24 29,120 ----a-w C:\Documents and Settings\Michael\Application Data\GDIPFONTCACHEV1.DAT
.
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Reg Loading Points ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
.
.
*Note* empty entries & legit default entries are not shown
REGEDIT4
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Run]
"ZoneAlarm Client"="C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe" [2007-11-14 16:05 919016]
"AVG7_CC"="C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe" [2008-01-12 09:53 579072]
"ctfmon.exe"="C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe" [2004-08-04 07:56 15360]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Run]
"NvMediaCenter"="C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray. dll" [2005-02-24 07:32 86016]
"NvCplDaemon"="C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll" [2005-02-24 07:32 5537792]
[HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Cur rentVersion\Run]
"AVG7_Run"="C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe" [2008-01-12 09:54 219136]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\curr entversion\policies\explorer]
"NoResolveSearch"= 1 (0x1)
[HKLM\~\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk]
path=C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk
backup=C:\WINDOWS\pss\Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnkCommon Startup
[HKLM\~\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^Adobe Reader Synchronizer.lnk]
path=C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\Adobe Reader Synchronizer.lnk
backup=C:\WINDOWS\pss\Adobe Reader Synchronizer.lnkCommon Startup
[HKLM\~\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^Microsoft Office.lnk]
path=C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\Microsoft Office.lnk
backup=C:\WINDOWS\pss\Microsoft Office.lnkCommon Startup
[HKLM\~\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk]
path=C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnk
backup=C:\WINDOWS\pss\Microsoft Works Calendar Reminders.lnkCommon Startup
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\Adobe Photo Downloader]
--a------ 2005-06-06 23:46 57344 C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Album Starter Edition\3.0\Apps\apdproxy.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\BgMonitor_{79662E04-7C6C-4d9f-84C7-88D8A56B10AA}]
--a------ 2007-01-15 16:14 147456 C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NMBgMonitor.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\BitTorrent DNA]
--a------ 2008-01-22 19:59 286528 C:\Program Files\DNA\btdna.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\COMODO Firewall Pro]
C:\Program Files\Comodo\Firewall\CPF.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\ctfmon.exe]
--a------ 2004-08-04 07:56 15360 C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\DAEMON Tools]
--a------ 2006-11-12 10:48 157592 C:\Program Files\DAEMON Tools\daemon.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\DSLAGENTEXE]
C:\Program Files\Voyager 105 ADSL Modem\dslagent.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\EyelineRun]
C:\Program Files\NCH Software\Eyeline\eyeline.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\FreeRAM XP]
--a------ 2006-03-22 23:13 1591808 C:\Program Files\YourWare Solutions\FreeRAM XP Pro\FreeRAM XP Pro.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\Microsoft Works Portfolio]
--a------ 2001-08-23 21:52 331830 C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\Microsoft Works Update Detection]
--a------ 2001-08-17 04:41 28738 C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\MskAgentexe]
C:\Program Files\McAfee\MSK\MskAgent.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\MSMSGS]
--a------ 2004-10-13 16:24 1694208 C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\NeroFilterCheck]
--a------ 2006-01-12 15:40 155648 C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ahead\Lib\NeroCheck.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\QuickTime Task]
C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\SuperAdBlocker]
C:\Program Files\SuperAdBlocker.com\Super Ad Blocker\SAdBlock.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\UpdateStar]
--a------ 2008-01-10 19:41 4031152 C:\Documents and Settings\Michael\Application Data\UpdateStar\UpdateStar.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\WinMem]
C:\Program Files\WinCleaner Memory Optimizer\WinMemOpt.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\shared tools\msconfig\startupreg\WorksFUD]
--a------ 2001-08-24 04:36 24576 C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\wkfud.exe
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\security center\Monitoring\ZoneLabsFirewall]
"DisableMonitoring"=dword:00000001
[HKLM\~\services\sharedaccess\parameters\firewallpo licy\standardprofile]
"EnableFirewall"= 0 (0x0)
[HKLM\~\services\sharedaccess\parameters\firewallpo licy\standardprofile\AuthorizedApplications\List]
"%windir%\\system32\\sessmgr.exe"=
"C:\\Program Files\\BitTorrent\\bittorrent.exe"=
"C:\\Program Files\\Grisoft\\AVG7\\avginet.exe"=
"C:\\Program Files\\Grisoft\\AVG7\\avgamsvr.exe"=
"C:\\Program Files\\Grisoft\\AVG7\\avgcc.exe"=
"C:\\Program Files\\Grisoft\\AVG7\\avgemc.exe"=
"%windir%\\Network Diagnostic\\xpnetdiag.exe"=
"C:\\Program Files\\DNA\\btdna.exe"=
[HKLM\~\services\sharedaccess\parameters\firewallpo licy\standardprofile\GloballyOpenPorts\List]
"5555:TCP"= 5555:TCP:file sharing : port 5555

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\windows\curre ntversion\explorer\mountpoints2\D]
\Shell\AutoRun\command - D:\Autorun.exe
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\windows\curre ntversion\explorer\mountpoints2\{fde01c79-d403-11db-bd25-806d6172696f}]
\Shell\AutoRun\command - D:\Autorun.exe
.
************************************************** ************************
catchme 0.3.1344 W2K/XP/Vista - rootkit/stealth malware detector by Gmer, http://www.gmer.net
Rootkit scan 2008-03-23 09:50:58
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 NTFS
scanning hidden processes ...
scanning hidden autostart entries ...
scanning hidden files ...
scan completed successfully
hidden files: 0
************************************************** ************************
.
------------------------ Other Running Processes ------------------------
.
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgemc.exe
.
************************************************** ************************
.
Completion time: 2008-03-23 9:57:54 - machine was rebooted
ComboFix-quarantined-files.txt 2008-03-23 09:57:49
ComboFix2.txt 2008-03-22 17:30:19
.
2008-03-13 19:50:59 --- E O F ---



And new HJT log;


Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 9:59:16 AM, on 3/23/2008
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16608)
Boot mode: Normal
Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgemc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\notepad.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = MSN.com
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = Live Search
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = Live Search
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = MSN.com
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\ssv.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ZoneAlarm Client] C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User '?')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-21-343818398-1409082233-725345543-1004\..\Run: [ZoneAlarm Client] C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe (User '?')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-21-343818398-1409082233-725345543-1004\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe (User '?')
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User '?')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [AVG7_Run] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgw.exe /RUNONCE (User 'Default user')
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.6.0_03\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O16 - DPF: {6414512B-B978-451D-A0D8-FCFDF33E833C} (WUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/wind...?1201761095671
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://www.update.microsoft.com/micr...?1201763039546
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVG7\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: SiSoftware Database Agent Service (SandraDataSrv) - SiSoftware - C:\Program Files\SiSoftware\SiSoftware Sandra Lite XII.SP1\Win32\RpcDataSrv.exe
O23 - Service: SiSoftware Sandra Agent Service (SandraTheSrv) - SiSoftware - C:\Program Files\SiSoftware\SiSoftware Sandra Lite XII.SP1\RpcSandraSrv.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Zone Labs, LLC - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
--
End of file - 4107 bytes




Thanks again for your time that your'e spending on this everybody

Thats removed all the malware so you should be fine now....


This will clear away any of the files and folders that were created by ComboFix.
Go to :
Start > Run then copy and paste the following highlighted text below and click OK.
Now that you are clean,and If you wish to do so, here are a few things that you can do that will help keep your computer a bit more clean and secure..they can be done at your leisure.
Download and scan with CCleaner from CCleaner - Download
1. Starting with v1.27.260, CCleaner - Download installs the Yahoo Toolbar as an option which IS checkmarked by default during the installation. IF you do NOT want it, REMOVE the checkmark when provided with the option OR download the toolbar-free Basic or Slim versions instead of the Standard Build.
2. Before first use, select Options > Advanced and UNCHECK "Only delete files in Windows Temp folder older than 48 hours"
3. Then select the items you wish to clean up.
In the Windows Tab:
• Clean all entries in the "Internet Explorer" section except Cookies.
• Clean all the entries in the "Windows Explorer" section.
• Clean all entries in the "System" section.
• Clean all entries in the "Advanced" section.
• Clean any others that you choose.
In the Applications Tab:
• Clean all except cookies in the Firefox/Mozilla section if you use it.
• Clean all in the Opera section if you use it.
• Clean Sun Java in the Internet Section.
• Clean any others that you choose.
4. Click the "Run Cleaner" button.
5. A pop up box will appear advising this process will permanently delete files from your system.
6. Click "OK" and it will scan and clean your system.
7. Click "exit" when done.
__________________

=========================================
Is your Java is out of date. Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system. Please follow these steps to remove older version Java components and update to the latest version if required.
Before installing go to Start > Control Panel double-click on Add/Remove programs and remove all older versions of Java.
Check any item with Java Runtime Environment (JRE or J2SE) in the name.
Click the Remove or Change/Remove button.
Repeat as many times as necessary to remove each Java versions.
Reboot your computer once all Java components are removed.
Then install the newest version.
Updating Java:
Download the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6u5 (Download Java software from Sun Microsystems).

==============================================
UPDATING WINDOWS AND INTERNET EXPLORER
IMPORTANT: You Need to Update Windows and Internet Explorer to protect your computer from the malware that is around on the Internet. Please go to the windows update site (Microsoft Windows Update) to get the critical updates.
If you are running Microsoft Office, or any portion thereof, go to the Microsoft's Office Update site and make sure you have at least all the critical updates installed (Free) Microsoft Office Update.
Make your Internet Explorer more secure
This can be done by following these simple instructions:
From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
Click once on the Security tab
Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
Click once on the Custom Level button.
Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button.
If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
Next press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.


================================================== ======
The following are recommended third party programs that are designed to keep your computer clean. A link as well as a brief description is included with each item.
Download SpywareBlaster
Spyware blaster is a program that stops known malicious activex controls from installing on your computer. It works by changing settings in your registry. It makes
kill bits in the registry, so that certain activex controls can't install.
If you don't know what activex controls are, see here (What is ActiveX control? - A Word Definition From the Webopedia Computer Dictionary)
You can download SpywareBlaster here here (MajorGeeks.Com - Contacting Download Site)
SpywareBlaster tutorial (Using SpywareBlaster to protect your computer from Spyware, Hijackers, and Malware)
Download iespyad
It puts many bad webpages on your restricted zones list. This means that you can still view the bad webpages, but the webpages cannot do certain things (such as use javascripts and cookies).
Download it here (http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/res/ie-spyad.exe)
Hosts file:
Every version of windows has a hosts file as part of them. In a very basic sense, they are used to locate webpages. We can customize a hosts file so that it blocks certain webpages. However, it can slow down certain computers. This is why using a hosts file is optional!!
Download it here (Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File). Make sure you read the instructions on how to install the hosts file. There is a good tutorial here (The Hosts File and what it can do for you)
If you decide to download the hosts file, the slowdown problems can usually be avoided by following these steps:
Click the start button (at the lower left hand corner of your screen) Click run In the dialog box, type services.msc hit enter, then locate dns client Highlight it, then double-click it. On the dropdown box, change the setting from automatic to manual. Click ok

Keep Anti Virus Software updated - Most AVs will update automatically, but if not I would recommend making updating the AV the first job every time the PC is connected to the internet. An AV that is using defs that are seven days old is not going to be much protection. If you do not update your anti virus software then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out. See here (Freeware downloads Security-Privacy - Anti-Virus Tools at SnapFiles.com) to choose one.
Use a Firewall - I can not stress how important it is that you use a Firewall on your computer. Without a firewall your computer is susceptible to being hacked and taken over. Simply using a Firewall in its default configuration can lower your risk greatly. For more info, check this (Understanding and Using Firewalls) webpage out.
Here (Freeware downloads Security-Privacy - Personal Firewalls at SnapFiles.com) are some Vista compatible firewalls also.

Know What You're Installing
Check the source.
To avoid malware, make sure your software comes from a reputable source. Be particularly suspicious of sponsored software (software that relies on advertising) or software that claims to speed up your Internet connection.
Use Custom Install.
If you feel comfortable with software installation, you can choose Custom Install (as opposed to Typical Install). Custom Install allows you to select only the software components you wish to install, and leave out others (such as potential spyware).
Modify Security Settings (Internet Explorer 6)
To reduce the risk of installing malware, you can set Internet Explorer to high security mode. To do so:
Open Internet Explorer. Go to Tools > Internet Options….
On the Internet Options screen, select the Security tab, then select the Internet icon (if it is not already selected).
Under Security level for this zone, click Default Level. Set the slider to High.
Note: You may have to lower the security level to view certain Web sites.
Next, select the Trusted Sites icon. Under Security level for this zone, click Default Level. Set the slider to Medium.
Click Apply, then OK to save the changes.

Before using or purchasing any Spyware/Malware protection/removal program, always check the Rogue/Suspect Spyware List. It will save you a lot of grief, as well as money if you are thinking of purchasing. Here is the link:
Spyware Warrior: Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
If you want to know just how effective your anti-spyware program is, or how well any of the "rogue" programs listed at the above link work, check this for an independent comparison of several anti-spyware programs:
Spyware Warrior: Anti-Spyware Testing (Guide)

Let us know if we have not resolved your problem. Otherwise, you are good to go.
Happy and Safe Surfing!

Hi all,

thanks once again for all of your time and help on this. I have done everything you have suggested in the last post but still seem to be in the same position i was in when i first started this psot.
Device manager is stil listing no hardware as being installed and i'm still missing some installed componenets such as sound and printers.
I am also unable to download the up to date Java, windows is saying that the windows installer is not intalled properly and the installer available from microsoft dowload won't download because it thinks that theres a newer version already installed on the PC.
Think that i'm looking at a hard disk wipe and reinstalation of XP, unless any of you guys has anything else worth trying??

Hey max, that's fine, we anticipated that. Thanks to good old Pancake, we can at least be sure that after we resolve your issues, it's not likely to return moments later or after you reboot your PC.

Can you follow the procedure below, which should hopefully resolve your Device Manager problem:
- Click Start, click Run, type services.msc, and then click OK.
- Double-click "Plug and Play". (If you receive a Configuration Manager message, click OK)
- In the Startup Type list, click Automatic, and then click OK.
- Restart your PC and test.

Hey Monkey,

thanks for the palst post - have done what you said and now have sound back (hoooray!!!!!) and devices listed in device manager. Theres still some bits missing though, windows desktop will only display in windows standard mode and not XP, printers still not recognised, and windows hardware installer does'nt seem to be able to find it.
Still, to be honet the lack of sound was one of the main problems and i can live without the other things for the time being at least.

Thanks again guys for all of your help and if there are any further suggestions to resolve the outstanding problems please feel free to share them with me, but please focus on other more needy people than me from now on.

Thanks again.