Revo uninstaller is sort of a combined way to uninstall programs and clean up the registry for that programs left overs and some of the left over files/folders it might leave. It's not always 100% effective but its better than windows uninstall - which is really just running the programmers uninstaller. You can try to use revo... I always run it on its most aggressive scan. . To me it sounds like you might need to reinstall AVG 12 the older version..... disable it.... uninstall it maybe with Revo first... then follow up with the AVG uninstall tool .. most want you to run that tool from safe mode. Here is a link that might be useful: www.revouninstaller.com

I found this at WorldStart which appeared in their Newsletter and it worked for me. I thought I would share it with others in case they have a similar problem. I quote: "Other Eject Options" I'm sure many of you have read our tips on how to eject a stuck CD from your computer, but even after going through all those steps, are you still having trouble getting that stubborn CD to come out? Sometimes those things can be so frustrating and after you mess with it for awhile, you probably just feel like throwing your whole computer out the window. Am I right? Well, before you go that far, give these alternative tricks a try. They may be just what you've been waiting for! First, try adding something to the CD. If you put an extra file or another song on it, that might be enough to coax it out. Also, when you're using a CD, make sure you eject it before you start up another program. If you leave the CD in its tray while you use other programs, it could cause some problems. Another thing to try is a simple reboot. Sometimes when you shut down your computer and then turn it back on, the CD will eject. Now, while all of those are good suggestions, they still might not work for you. So, if that's the case, you may want to try the other tips I mentioned in the first paragraph. One of them tells you to try the traditional method of right clicking on your CD drive and choosing Eject. I know that's the problem you're having, but if you try it more than once, it could finally open. You never know! The other tip we have tells you how to use a paperclip to get your CD out. You can read all about that here. Either way you go, I hope you're finally able to get your CD out so that you can enjoy your life in happy CD bliss once again!" end of quote.... IT WORKED FOR ME. Also, I bought a Laser Lens Cleaner for my CD-R, CD-RW, CD-ROM and DVD....and they are now cleaned.

I got everything back.. I looked in ADD & REMOVE..Open Office was there.. I removed it & was able to install it again. I have no idea why it disappeared & hope it doesn't happen again. John, At least I learned how to stop the double spacing in word pad :-) Dar

Colin - your explanations of restore, system restore, back up, etc were very helpful. They were a very useful edition to what Ravencajun wrote - it didn't seem repetitive to me. I think I can really use any reiteration at this point. Now I actually understand that the system can be backed up to a hidden spot on the hard drive as well as my backing it up on dvd - to be used in the event that the hard drive back up doesn't work. By George, I think I've got it...........Well - at least that part. I'm not sure that I saw any option to create a back up start-up disk. Was that automatically included when I backed up the entire hard drive - or is there a separate step I should take? I also realize that I hadn't understood what you meant by blue button. I was looking at an actual blue button the thinkpad keyboard. Will that button do - or should I be looking for something else. I didn't not notice any blue buttons on the screen (except the Avast buttons in the task bar). Raven - I have a question about revo uninstaller. What would it uninstall? I noticed that I have Office on my computer but I don't know if it came with Office - or if this is a trial program. Is there a way I can figure that out? If it's a trial, I'd like to remove it. If it's permanent, I'll keep it. I know I did not get Microsoft Word with this and thought I had chosen no office software. I was planning on getting open office for the few times I might need to work on a word document (working on a document that is in Word on my desktop). Zep - good point about the printer software. I know when I chose the Canon mx850 and was researching printers, these were considered much better in terms of minimal bloatware (than say the HP's). I know when I installed the software on my desktop (and my daughter's) that several files were installed, but I think I want them all. The computer is networked so I can scan documents to any of our computers - print from any computer, fax from any computer, etc. I'm not sure how I would determine if any of those canon files are bloatware. More on my progress: -I did do all the lenovo updates. -ran javara and updated java and removed old programs. -installed and ran malwarebytes, spywareblaster. Any particular settings I should choose for spywareblaster,malwarebytes or Avast? I have so far just chosen the defaults - but don't know if I should "protect?" cookies - or anything else. And I just realized that I forgot to install superantispyware. For Avast, I did not set up scans on the screensaver - because at this point I will be turning the computer off if it is not being used for a while. If I just happen to walk away for 20 minutes or so, I don't want a scan automatically running that I have to wait to finish - or interrupt and cancel it - and run it manually later. Does it seem okay to just run it manually? If so, how often? Maybe I should use the screensaver option? I think "protecting (I know that's the wrong word - unselecting ?) cookies was for ccleaner - not anti-spyware programs. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong. So now I'm off to get superantispyware - run secunia and get any necessary updates - and set up the printer software. This is extremely gratifying to be able to do this (with everyone's help). It really helps me to understand what's going on with my computer. Thanks. Lynn. PS - if I get open office, is there anyplace in particular I should download it from? Are there parts to download and parts to avoid - or do I just download the whole program?