I don't see an issue with AVG on 7. I do see an issue with McAfee see link. If you like AVG and are use to it then for sure consider it. Download it to the desktop and install it. If you restored to factory settings like you said McAfee should not be active, a perfect time to uninstall it. It should uninstall using programs and features, we don't even need to worry about that yet because no McAfee files are running yet. Note The McAfee removal tool is not removing some new versions of McAfee. "Enterprise Software Detected" please contact McAfee. Lets avoid that or it's off to Revo un installer. When you get home connect Ethernet cable to the laptop. Then try going to www.google.com. Only go there just see if Google opens. Let us know if you get this far and we can give you a direct link for AVG so you may install that. Then while McAfee is not active we can uninstall it as I mentioned. If you want I can look at a hijack log for you after.

Yes, it's quite possible to use a cell phone to connect your laptop to the Internet. It's called tethering. Now, your phone may not have that capability but many "smartphones" can. Unfortunately, it tends to be a bit expensive. You'll need to pay for voice service, a data plan, and typically an additional fee of $20+ per month for tethering. Connection speed can vary widely as well, depending on the quality of the connection wherever you are using the laptop. There are also standalone devices that allow a wireless connection as well. Typically the connect to the a USB port. All the major carriers offer them and they cost $75-$100 to buy and then $40+ per month in data fees. Again, as with using a cell phone to tether, connection speed can vary. If you have access to DSL or cable, you're probably better off going that route unless you need a mobile connection.

do you have a firewall on your pc? do you at least have the windows firewall turned on if not? Often times it is malware or spyware that is trying to call in to whoever it reports to and with a firewall in place like zone alarm free you can stop all that from happening. Especially since you probably do not have a router since you are on dial up it would be a good idea to have a good 2 way firewall installed and turned on. ZoneAlarm firewall tutorial anytime you get a download be sure you check to see if it has added stuff like toolbars etc you want to uncheck those so you do not add them to your pc you just want the actual program.

So it begs the question - do you need all those 5 fans? Perhaps he was a high powered gamer. Where are these fans connected electrically? If one or more are connected to the motherboard you may find they are speed controlled by the yellow wire as Zep points out. Which are suckers and which are blowers? Front fans usually low in the case and suck in, rear fans are usually high on the case and blow out the back. The side fan sometimes comes with the fan sucking outwards but whenever I use a side mounted fan I like it blowing in to provide loads of cool air over the heatsink fan which is often very close by. If the previous owner was a gamer it is possible he has removed some higher powered toys including a power supply and replaced it with the original or equal, you might want to use the calculator linked below to feel sure your power supply is adequate. Here is a link that might be useful: Power supply calculator