Since the problems started when youre brother changed some things , there must be something still not set back right. When changing file permissions , did you only change it for the program files folder or also all files in it? And where all files/folders setback to the original settings?

i have returned ownership of both folder and subfolders to my user

you can order SP2 in the mail terror. It usually gets there in 3 to 4 days. This way you can always have the disc just in case. Its free.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/d...s/default.mspx

Thanks for the info, but I have the sp2 setup already and i can't install it.

Do you have an XP cd? You could slipstream it in there. This way Just incase there is a bad download etc..

K I will try that.
In the meantime, do u think there is a way to reinstall everything in C:\Program files\netmeeting ?