PROGESS ! Ok, have run Malwarebyte - 0 threats detected. Ran Superspyware scan and found 231 seemingly harmless adware tracking cookies and 1 critical threat. Seems a Rogue.agent was lurking. I quarantined and removed all 232 and rebooted. YEA me ! Next, I was going to run the Ccleaner, but had questions (of course), so I'm back to ask: At the bottom of the cleaner page are two options ~ 1 says ANALYZE the second says RUN CLEANER. When I clicked on the latter I warned me that a ton of stuff was about to be pushed of a cliff, so I left it and clicked on ANALYZE. From there, I saw a list of just what was about to be deleted and thus my concern and question: Is it really alright to delete the following: 159 files - windows explorer - recent documents 16,017 files - temporary internet 8,826 files - System temporary 50 files - applications - office 2007 48 files - applications - office xp 513 files - utilities - AVG 2012 Some other things seemed to be pretty huge, but with few files (Windows Explorer Thumbnail Cache - 1,794,021,021 KB -5 files). I'm sure this all seems like small potatoes to you guys, but because I don't understand a lot of what I'm seeing and am just learning what to clean up on my PC,these choices seem daunting. Will put off the Cclean until I get the go ahead. Many thanks. I'm truly beginning to feel empowered !

Joe, Here's the Minitoolbox report, with the checks you prescribed. MiniToolBox by Farbar Version:10-01-2013 Ran by Owner (administrator) on 14-01-2013 at 22:51:53 Running from "C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\Downloads" Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (X86) Boot Mode: Normal *************************************************************************** ========================= Event log errors: =============================== Application errors: ================== Error: (01/10/2013 07:49:26 PM) (Source: MsiInstaller) (User: JERRYGATEWAY) Description: Product: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 2 -- Error 2004. Method GetFontCacheDataFolder failed. HRESULT: 0x80004005. Error: (01/10/2013 07:49:26 PM) (Source: MsiInstaller) (User: JERRYGATEWAY) Description: Product: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 2 -- Error 2004. Method SHGetFolderPath failed. HRESULT: 0x80004005. Error: (01/10/2013 07:19:56 PM) (Source: PerfNet) (User: ) Description: Unable to read Server Queue performance data from the Server service. No Server Queue performance data will be returned in this sample. Error code returned is in data DWORD 0, IOSB.Status is DWORD 1 and the IOSB.Information is DWORD 2. Error: (01/10/2013 07:19:56 PM) (Source: PerfNet) (User: ) Description: Unable to read performance data from the Server service. No Server performance data will be returned in this sample. Error code returned is in data DWORD 0, IOSB.Status is DWORD 1 and the IOSB.Information is DWORD 2. Error: (11/20/2012 08:44:35 AM) (Source: ESENT) (User: ) Description: svchost (1344) An attempt to open the file "C:\WINDOWS\system32\CatRoot2\(F750E6C3-38EE-11D1-85E5-00C04FC295EE)\catdb" for read / write access failed with system error 32 (0x00000020): "The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process. ". The open file operation will fail with error -1032 (0xfffffbf8). Error: (11/15/2012 05:33:50 PM) (Source: LoadPerf) (User: ) Description: The performance counter name string value in the registry is incorrectly formatted. The bogus string is 18846, the bogus index value is the first DWORD in Data section while the last valid index values are the second and third DWORD in Data section. Error: (11/15/2012 05:33:47 PM) (Source: LoadPerf) (User: ) Description: Unloading the performance counter strings for service WmiApRpl (WmiApRpl) failed. The Error code is the first DWORD in Data section. Error: (11/15/2012 05:33:47 PM) (Source: LoadPerf) (User: ) Description: The performance counter name string value in the registry is incorrectly formatted. The bogus string is 18846, the bogus index value is the first DWORD in Data section while the last valid index values are the second and third DWORD in Data section. Error: (11/04/2012 06:09:27 PM) (Source: MPSampleSubmission) (User: ) Description: EventType mptelemetry, P1 8024402c, P2 endsearch, P3 search, P4 1.1.1593.0, P5 mpsigdwn.dll, P6 1.1.1593.0, P7 windows defender, P8 NIL, P9 mptelemetry0, P10 mptelemetry1. Error: (11/04/2012 05:34:03 PM) (Source: MPSampleSubmission) (User: ) Description: EventType mptelemetry, P1 8024402c, P2 endsearch, P3 search, P4 1.1.1593.0, P5 mpsigdwn.dll, P6 1.1.1593.0, P7 windows defender, P8 NIL, P9 mptelemetry0, P10 mptelemetry1. System errors: ============= Error: (01/13/2013 08:37:24 AM) (Source: Print) (User: NT AUTHORITY) Description: Sharing printer failed + 1722, Printer PageManager PDF Writer share name Printer2. Error: (01/12/2013 07:44:35 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: ) Description: The Application Management service terminated with the following error: %%2 Error: (01/12/2013 07:44:35 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: ) Description: The Application Management service terminated with the following error: %%2 Error: (01/12/2013 07:44:35 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: ) Description: The Application Management service terminated with the following error: %%2 Error: (01/12/2013 07:44:35 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: ) Description: The Application Management service terminated with the following error: %%2 Error: (01/12/2013 07:44:34 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: ) Description: The Application Management service terminated with the following error: %%2 Error: (01/12/2013 07:44:34 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: ) Description: The Application Management service terminated with the following error: %%2 Error: (01/12/2013 07:44:34 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: ) Description: The Application Management service terminated with the following error: %%2 Error: (01/12/2013 07:44:34 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: ) Description: The Application Management service terminated with the following error: %%2 Error: (01/12/2013 07:44:34 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: ) Description: The Application Management service terminated with the following error: %%2 Microsoft Office Sessions: ========================= =========================== Installed Programs ============================ 7-Zip 4.65 Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Professional (Version: 7.1.0) Adobe Acrobat 7.0.9 Professional (Version: 7.0.9) Adobe Flash Player 10 ActiveX (Version: 10.0.45.2) Adobe Flash Player 11 Plugin (Version: 11.5.502.146) Adobe Reader 9.5.2 (Version: 9.5.2) Advanced SystemCare 6 (Version: 6.0) Apple Application Support (Version: 2.3.2) Apple Mobile Device Support (Version: 6.0.1.3) Apple Software Update (Version: 2.1.3.127) ArcSoft PhotoImpression 5 AstroViewer 3.1.5 Audacity 1.2.6 Autostar Suite Autostar Suite Astronomers Edition Avira Free Antivirus (Version: 12.1.9.1236) Blackhawk Striker 2 (Version: WT010647) Blasterball 2 Revolution (Version: WT010648) Bonjour (Version: 3.0.0.10) Broadcom 802.11 Network Adapter (Version: 4.10.47.0) Browser Address Error Redirector Browser MOUSE CCleaner (Version: 2.29) Critical Update for Windows Media Player 11 (KB959772) DiMAGE Viewer DVD Solution EPSON Attach To Email (Version: 1.01.0000) EPSON Perfection V100 Photo Scanner Driver Update EPSON Perfection V100P User's Guide EPSON Printer Software EPSON Scan Eraser Eraser (Version: 5.84) ESET Online Scanner v3 EZ Vinyl Converter 2.0.0 by MixMeister Garmin City Navigator North America NT 2010.20 (Version: 13.20.0.0) Garmin Communicator Plugin (Version: 2.8.3) Garmin USB Drivers (Version: 2.3.0.0) Gateway Game Console Google Chrome (Version: 23.0.1271.97) Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer Google Update Helper (Version: 1.3.21.123) GoToAssist Corporate (Version: 9.0.0.570) gtw_logo High Definition Audio Driver Package - KB888111 (Version: 20040219.000000) ImgBurn (Version: 2.5.0.0) Intel Matrix Storage Manager Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator Driver (Version: 6.14.10.4543) IrfanView (remove only) iTunes (Version: 11.0.1.12) Japanese Fonts Support For Adobe Reader 9 (Version: 9.0.0) Lexmark 8300 Series Malwarebytes Anti-Malware version 1.70.0.1100 (Version: 1.70.0.1100) Maxtor Backup (Version: 1.00.0040) Maxtor Encryption (Version: 1.01.0040) Maxtor OneTouch III (Version: 3.02.0040) McAfee Security Scan Plus (Version: 2.1.121.2) Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 (Version: 1.1.4322) Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Security Update (KB2698023) Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Security Update (KB2742597) Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Security Update (KB979906) Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2 (Version: 2.2.30729) Microsoft .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 2 (Version: 3.2.30729) Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (Version: 3.5.30729) Microsoft Application Error Reporting (Version: 12.0.6012.5000) Microsoft Compression Client Pack 1.0 for Windows XP (Version: 1) Microsoft IntelliPoint 7.1 (Version: 7.10.344.0) Microsoft Internationalized Domain Names Mitigation APIs Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework Feature Pack 1.5 Microsoft National Language Support Downlevel APIs Microsoft Outlook 2002 (Version: 10.0.6626.0) Microsoft Save as PDF or XPS Add-in for 2007 Microsoft Office programs (Version: 12.0.4518.1014) Microsoft Text-to-Speech Engine 4.0 (English) Microsoft User-Mode Driver Framework Feature Pack 1.0 Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (Version: 8.0.61001) Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.17 (Version: 9.0.30729) Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.4148 (Version: 9.0.30729.4148) Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.6161 (Version: 9.0.30729.6161) Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x86 Redistributable - 10.0.40219 (Version: 10.0.40219) Microsoft Works (Version: 08.05.0818) Motorola SM56 Speakerphone Modem Mozilla Firefox 18.0 (x86 en-US) (Version: 18.0) Mozilla Maintenance Service (Version: 18.0) Mozilla Thunderbird (2.0.0.24) (Version: 2.0.0.24 (en-US)) MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB927978) (Version: 4.20.9841.0) MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB936181) (Version: 4.20.9848.0) MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB954430) (Version: 4.20.9870.0) MSXML 4.0 SP2 (KB973688) (Version: 4.20.9876.0) Napster (Version: 3.0.3.7) Napster Burn Engine (Version: 2.5.0000) OpenOffice.org 3.3 (Version: 3.3.9567) Palm (Version: 4.1.0420) Pdf995 (installed by TaxCut) PdfEdit995 (installed by TaxCut) Penguins! (Version: WT010651) Polar Bowler (Version: WT010660) Polar Golfer (Version: WT010661) Power2Go 4.0 PowerDVD Presto! Forms 3.50.01 Presto! PageManager 7.12.02 Print to Fax (Version: 1.00) QuickTime (Version: 7.73.80.64) RealPlayer Basic Recover My Photos (Version: 3.6.1.60) Recovery Software Suite Gateway (Version: 1.00.0000) Registry Mechanic 6.0 (Version: 6.0) SCRABBLE (Version: WT010654) SigmaTel Audio (Version: 5.10.4803.0) Spelling Dictionaries Support For Adobe Reader 9 (Version: 9.0.0) Spybot - Search & Destroy (Version: 1.6.2) SUPERAntiSpyware (Version: 5.6.1012) Synaptics Pointing Device Driver (Version: 7.12.3.0) TaxACT 2008 TaxACT 2009 TaxACT 2010 TaxACT 2011 - 1040 Edition TaxCut Premium 2007 (Version: 07.03.0000) Texas Instruments PCIxx21/x515/xx12 drivers. (Version: 1.15.0000) TIPCI (Version: 1.15.0000) Tradewinds (Version: WT010655) Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 (KB963707) (Version: 1) Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB968220) (Version: 1) Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB976662) (Version: 1) Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB976749) (Version: 1) Update for Windows Internet Explorer 8 (KB980182) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB2141007) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB2345886) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB2467659) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB2541763) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB2616676-v2) (Version: 2) Update for Windows XP (KB2616676) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB2641690) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB2661254-v2) (Version: 2) Update for Windows XP (KB2718704) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB2736233) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB2749655) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB951072-v2) (Version: 2) Update for Windows XP (KB951978) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB955759) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB955839) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB967715) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB968389) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB971029) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB971737) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB973687) (Version: 1) Update for Windows XP (KB973815) (Version: 1) ViewMate Desktop Mouse CC2201 Uninstaller Viewpoint Media Player Virtual Account Numbers (Version: 1.0.0.9) Virtual Account Numbers (Version: 3.7.11.0) Virtual Moon Atlas WebFldrs XP (Version: 9.50.7523) Windows Backup Utility (Version: 5.1) Windows Defender (Version: 1.1.1593.21) Windows Driver Package - Garmin (grmnusb) GARMIN Devices (06/03/2009 2.3.0.0) (Version: 06/03/2009 2.3.0.0) Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications (KB905474) (Version: 1.7.0017.0) Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130) Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892130) (Version: 1.7.0069.2) Windows Internet Explorer 7 (Version: 20061107.210142) Windows Internet Explorer 8 (Version: 20090308.140743) Windows Media Format 11 runtime Windows XP Service Pack 3 (Version: 20080414.031525) Yahoo! Install Manager Yahoo! Toolbar ========================= Memory info: =================================== Percentage of memory in use: 76% Total physical RAM: 1014.11 MB Available physical RAM: 240.46 MB Total Pagefile: 1915.69 MB Available Pagefile: 758.2 MB Total Virtual: 2047.88 MB Available Virtual: 1994.31 MB ========================= Partitions: ===================================== 1 Drive c: () (Fixed) (Total:67.68 GB) (Free:24.96 GB) NTFS 2 Drive d: (RECOVERY) (Fixed) (Total:6.83 GB) (Free:4.77 GB) FAT32 ========================= Users: ======================================== User accounts for \\JERRYGATEWAY Administrator ASPNET Guest HelpAssistant Owner SUPPORT_388945a0 **** End of log ****

Ok I downloaded the malwarebytes and ran a full scan; went to bed because it was taking so long. Got up today and saw it had completed the scan and it found 4 items. So I clicked to remove them and it said to restart the computer. Before I did, I copied what the notepad said. Then restarted the computer. Unfortunately, when I restarted the computer, I was unable to get an internet connection so I got worried that I deleted an important program and clicked restore on the malbyte menu. Then when that didnt work, I called for tech support and spent the last hour & a half on the phone with technical support both with Microsoft and ATT Tech Support. Nothing was working. To make a long story short, the end result - I disconnected the modum, turned off the computer completely.....let it sit for about 3 mins and then plugged the modum back in; waited for all the lights to come on steady and then I restarted the computer. Everything seems to be working now, I can access the internet (obviously, since I'm posting here) and I went back to the malwarebytes program and copied what the note pad said. Not sure if this is different from what it said after the initial scan, before I clicked on "restore deleted items". Here is what the notepad says now : Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.39 Database version: 2516 Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 7/28/2009 7:27:19 AM mbam-log-2009-07-28 (07-27-19).txt Scan type: Full Scan (C:\:) Objects scanned: 265085 Time elapsed: 2 hour(s), 27 minute(s), 56 second(s) Memory Processes Infected: 0 Memory Modules Infected: 0 Registry Keys Infected: 2 Registry Values Infected: 0 Registry Data Items Infected: 2 Folders Infected: 0 Files Infected: 0 Memory Processes Infected: (No malicious items detected) Memory Modules Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Keys Infected: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\(1d4db7d2-6ec9-47a3-bd87-1e41684e07bb) (Adware.MyWebSearch) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\(0ed403e8-470a-4a8a-85a4-d7688cfe39a3) (Adware.Gamevance) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. Registry Values Infected: (No malicious items detected) Registry Data Items Infected: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\AntiVirusDisableNotify (Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center\FirewallDisableNotify (Disabled.SecurityCenter) -> Bad: (1) Good: (0) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully. Folders Infected: (No malicious items detected) Files Infected: (No malicious items detected)

Thankyou Ravencajun Quote: I would also suggest that you download it from the actual download site instead of your windows updates. I will provide the link, select your language and your version which is 7 sp1and 64bit. If you prefer you can also download it then go into safe mode and install, less things running so less to interfere. Unquote. I had downloaded IE 10 from MicroSoft's Official Update site. I saw it in their list of downloads for my system. It is not imperative that I have IE 10 right now, so I shall wait. Your suggestion for switching to the Safe Mode to sort out problems is a good one. My main concern was that I may have a bad copy of IE 10 (compressed download file) somewhere in my computer and I'd like to get rid of it, but I don't know its file name or where it may reside. Again, thanks for your reply.