Thanks, everyone. Those warnings make me nervous... To answer zep's questions - yes, it is Vista; and yes, it is Internet Explorer. OK, so I think it is the firewall, then. So I will allow it; and I will tell it not to ask me again. I didn't allow it at first, so then I allowed it the second time (waited for my computer to blow up... ; ) ... but it didn't happen); but I didn't check on not to show again because I was afraid that if allowing it was not the thing to do, I wouldn't be able to see that pop-up again. If that makes sense. If I have any problems with version 7, I'll let you guys know. I did notice that when I was downloading it, it took awhile to download some patches along with it. Thanks very much! Again. : )

Ran all three programs. I already had Superantispyware free on my computer and ran that first. It didn't find anything but cookies, which it deleted. Note: I had just run Superantispyware when I started my computer yesterday. Next downloaded and ran Malewarebytes' Anti-Malware and ran the full scan. It paused and there was displayed over its screen this message: Content IE5\ZVLJ35OW\freescan[1].htm Virus found Fakealert I chose "move to vault", clicked the red X and went back to scanning. At end found nothing about a vault and was advised no threats found. This is what the log looked like when it finished. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.30 Database version: 1412 Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 11/19/2008 12:30:38 PM mbam-log-2008-11-19 (12-30-38).txt Scan type: Full Scan (C:\:) Objects scanned: 138863 Time elapsed: 38 minute(s), 10 second(s) Memory Processes Infected: 0 Memory Modules Infected: 0 Registry Keys Infected: 0 Registry Values Infected: 0 Registry Data Items Infected: 0 Folders Infected: 0 Files Infected: 0 Memory Processes Infected: (No malicious items detected) Memory Modules Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Keys Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Values Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Data Items Infected: (No malicious items detected) Folders Infected: (No malicious items detected) Files Infected: (No malicious items detected) Then downloaded and ran the ATF cleaner. Didn't get any frightening message other than it freed 491,594 Mbs. So far the only thing that has popped up which it has been doing since I installed the Superantispyware free edition is the IE screen with TrendMicro antivirus is nolonger supported and I can buy TrendMicro antivirusplus/antispyware for X$$. This has been happening every time I turn on my computer. Very annoying but I don't think it has hurt anything. I could be wrong. When the security warning came up yesterday, I did not click on anything, just cautiously ran away, so maybe the damage was averted. Thank you so much for your help. You have saved my bacon more than once! Will post again if this comes back. I notice CAsalmedia screen saver ad is still with me down on the lower bar. What should I do with Defender Pro 2008? It's supposed to very good but it tells me to "uninstall any antivirus before installing DP2008". As I understand it, these three programs above, are not running all the time?

One morning on the way to work, I stopped at our supermarket. When I parked, I saw two young men laughing and going through a pocketbook on the front of a shopping cart. I couldn't get their license plate number and was afraid to say anything to them. I took the bag into the store office. I got a call later in the day from a grateful woman...she had her father's social security checks in her purse and was frantic when she found out that she had left her purse behind. Not the same as your situation...how scary that your straps were cut through. Sounds like an organized thief. So glad that you got your purse back though. lots2do/kelly

Our guide/driver explained the guard towers on the road to Tulum. IIRC, it was something about Mexican laws and squatters. If people make their way onto the land and put up a shelter, they have some rights to stay? so the "land owners" are pretty proactive about keeping them off. ETA: I added quotes around the term land owners to reflect that this is a very political/touchy subject in the Yucatan. I don't know much about it, but I do know that, as mtn indicates below, landownership issues are complicated there. Of course, we took it into consideration when travelling with our family, but we love Mexico and I'm glad our kids got to see another part of it. We are planning to go back to that general area of Mexico, but will probably visit Merida and Isla Holbox.