Repave the HD, easier and much more emotionally satisfying :) If you have a recovery disk, go get a copy of Aloha Bob's PC Backup and backup all your important data. (Unless you know how to do this manually) Go download MS AntiSpy and XP SP2. Stick em on CD. Format the HD and reinstall XP. Install XP SP2 and AntiSpy before you hook up the PC to the internet. Make sure the firewall is turned on. Average PC infection time is 12 when unprotected. Buy a copy of Norton or McAfee or whatever virus protection software you like and install it. Run Windows update, till you have nothing to install, set up AutoUpdate to download and tell you when new updates need to be installed. Restore all important data. Use Firefox and Thunderbird. Never, ever use IE again if you can help it. If you have to use it, make sure security is set to Medium-High. or Try and get a Ubuntu Linux distro and install it. It recognizes more HW than you might guess and the UI is leaps and bounds above what it used to be like, even from a year ago.