Pat, I really didn't give you any information that you can use for a specific problem in the future. I'm just trying to figure out if you have all the security software in place that you need- a firewall , an antivirus program, and at least one or more antispyware programs. Don't take this offensively, but some people, because of lack of experience, don't really understand the difference between the programs and what they do. This was me only a few years ago and I'm still learning and always will be. The reason I ask is because it sounded as if you weren't sure what you actually have running on your computer. You mentioned, "I have a current Norton program installed, also Symantic installed, both running." Symantec' took over ownership of 'Norton Utilities' years ago so they are one and the same. Also you have to make sure the virus and malware definitions are up to date. Usually if you have a subscription to one of the major security programs, like Norton, they update themselves automatically when your computer is running, others you may have to update manually. I generally haven't disabled my antivirus software when I've installed programs, although it's recommended, and haven't run into any problems yet. KoW. I do however disable temporarily my antispyware program, 'Windows Defender', that is actively monitoring my system and has interupted an installation more than once. Most of the antivirus and spyware utilities actively running can be disabled with a 'right click' on an icon in the system tray or from the 'Help' menu in the program itself, and choosing 'Exit' or 'Shut down', etc. Don't forget to turn them back on, 'enable', when through. Also, DON'T download anything from the internet with your antivirus disabled. :-( You may have become infected with malware that may have affected your 'system restore' and other parts of your computer. You say your getting unfamiliar weather reports, and I was wondering if you downloaded a weather program that may have put more on your computer than you asked for. You never now what you're getting these days. You just can't go to 'google', type in antispyware, click the first sight on the list, and be sure you're getting a reputable program. It may be spyware itself and there's alot of it going around, some of it named similarly to legitimate programs. Here's a website you can go to identify 'the good, the bad, and the ugly': Spyware Warrior. In addition, if you find software programs you think you'd like to try or that sound interesting, check with the people here first and see what they have to say about the program. This site has a number of good and safe programs on it that you can download for free:MajorGeeks. I personally use: 'Zone Alarm' firewall, 'AVG free' antivirus, 'Spywareblaster' (which keeps things from getting on your computer to begin with), 'Adaware 2007', 'Spybot Search & Destroy', 'Windows Defender' (which is actively monitoring my system), 'AVG Antispyware, and a paid program 'Spysweeper' (which I use to scan only). Remember to use only one 'firewall' and 'antivirus' program, but preferably more than one antispyware program as some will 'catch' things that others overlook. Also, I'm not telling you to get rid of 'Norton', as it is a reputable program, just make sure it is running and 'up to date'. You're pretty close when you say "sometimes I wonder if computers have an inner being that I'm not familiar with", except 'include the rest of us' in that statement too. LoL. All we can do is learn what we can from day to day, sometimes through our mistakes, with the understanding that we will never fully understand the 'beast'! :-) If 'Windows' ever takes you to the brink you can do exactly that with it,___'TOSS IT OUT ONE'. :-) Witz P.S. Didn't mean to make this a short novel.

I re-installed the OS and sp3 and Internet Explorer 8. I've got it down to this error: Service registration is missing or corrupt http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971187 The automatic fixer doesn't fixit and I don't understand the manual instructions. It wants me to look at a registry key but doesn't specify EXACTLY which one. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\(sid)\Patches\(squid) replaced with ( and ). How do I find SID and SQUID? I did install Trend Micro antivirus and activated Office 2003. Automatic Update seems to be working. 131 updates are being installed. This post was edited by poohbear2767 on Mon, Oct 21, 13 at 17:50

By beefing them up, I'm suggesting the grilles be thicker in dimension. You cannot divide the current grille because 'lights" in windows are never that ratio of height versus width. You're the one trying to turn a ranch into a farmhouse. A lot of professionals would not recommend that.

Yes I have experience with this. About ten years ago we did an addition. The builder showed up less and less towards the end. And we realized the windows were installed wrong and leaking. I consulted an attorney. He advised that I try to handle it without him, and write the builder that I need the work completed by x date or I will hire another builder to complete the job and be paid from the remaining payout I had left. The attorney advised me to mention the last date of work in the letter, since there is a rule that a construction lien must be filed from x days of the work. (attorney was a friend but willing to take the case if it proceeded to court or a case), The builder did not finish the job by the date I gave him. I wrote another letter telling him he was off the job and was not allowed on our property. He had already removed anything of his. I brought in a new contractor who finished the job, reinstalled the windows. What a mess. Luckily there was a enough payout to cover the repairs and still have a little left over. It was about 12,000$ as I recall. When the job was done, per the attorney, I sent a letter to the original builder telling him the job had been completed and I was deducting the costs from the other contractor, and here is check for the remainder of our contract in full. It was under $500 and the builder never cashed it. I still run into him from time to time and we both avoid making eye contact. It was so awkward. Our kids went to the same school. He was a nice guy, he just got over stretched building his own home and with family issues. You have given this builder enough time. I see no reason to not get the repairs done, paying from the 10,000$. But these sound like construction defects so I would consult an attorney since the original builder may be liable to pay for repairs and faulty construction. I would not want to have any work by the original builder and this is where the laws and an attorney come in. You have some paper trail. Perhaps a letter from an attorney is important especially if there are statutes of limitations. You really can not wait on the mold and water issues! They will only get worse with time. And you can not simply move as you will have to disclose defects the the buyer. I am sorry for the stress in what should have been a pleasant experience of getting a new home! lafdr