Is the machine running WinXP SP2 or SP3?
Is Automatic Updates enabled and is the machine fully patched?
What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is the
subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?
What third-party firewall (if any)?
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
Do NOT install AVG 8.0 unless (1) their Norton subscription is expired and
they have no interest in renewing it, (2) you uninstall anything named
Norton, as well as LiveUpdate via Add/Remove Programs, and then (3) run the
Norton Removal Tool!
Norton Removal Tool
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
[Discussion: http://windowssecrets.com/comp/080207#story1]
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
Thread history:
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/browse_frm/thread/28ad79036e33aca6
Given the current state of affairs described in your last reply, you'd best
format & reinstall Windows. If you can't find the CDs that came with the
computer, there may be a hidden Recovery partition you can use to return the
machine to OOBE state. Contact HP for assistance.
Or take the machine to a local, reputable, and independent (i.e., not
BigBoxStore USA; not the Geek Squad) shop.
Good luck.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/