they have Service Pack 2, here is the screen print of their pc:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y32...creenPrint.jpg

also, they have installed AVG now and are running that, and have just installed the SPybot, so will run that soon.

what now..? any other tips before we try the net update..?

Turn on automatic updates.Check device manger that there are no yellow symbols in there as they will need drivers if there are any items in there.

As I said give it a defrag,clean out temp files do a disk cleanup via sytem tools.

Update MSN/Yahoo messangers if they have not already been done.

And I will move thread to xp and change its name to XP updating and cleaning.If thats ok?

No need for more RAM its looks like she has her max fitted.

ok, those last two are installed, still doing the AVG, then the Spybot. said she will do the disc cleanup then defrag first thing in the morning.

When those checks are complete, just that internet update then, you know if there is any way of finding out about the links thing..?

as i really dont want to cause her to loose them lol will get an ear bashing.

Here you could do this.How to perform disk error checking in Windows XP

Honestly her favs links will still be there.Just install and run IE7.Promise they will be there.

I lost my favs as I reformatted not because I downloaded IE7.

Ok use import and export,CLICK ON + sign on her open IE browser when open.then click on import/export and export them to another pc.

ok, i see how they are exported, like she will have to follow the instructions, will they mold into mine, or just be sent in a file..? that is stored on my pc..? never heard of this being done before you see, so dont know anything aobut it.

Make a new folder on YOUR browser.click on the + button on your browser scroll to organise favs.then make a new folder.Then export her favs to the new folder on your browser.Then when you have installed IE7 on her pc you can export the new folder with her favs in back to her laptop.