Was not ignoring your input -- just researching what you both said. (As well as getting sidetracked by trying to get things working since the Recovery. :] ) Whew... Owbist, I didn't want to get SP3 just yet. Ryan's site has all of those updates bundled in one package -- that's why I thought it might be worth considering. Also was wondering if anyone else might have downloaded the package and what they thought of it. I do so trust people's opinions from this forum -- the help I've received over the years has been invaluable. Raven, I immediately clicked on the link you offered. Spent mucho time going back there to find the "Download" for that update. Couldn't find it yesterday. Spent more time again today. Just went to the link again a few minutes ago and -- lo and behold -- M/S had magically added a prominent Download button! Ha. Thanks, I did d/l the file. I appreciate the input/advice from you two. This is such a great forum. I hadn't been here much recently, but I always, always recommend it to others. Thanks again, Kat P.S. On my Compaq computer desktop is an icon entitled "Help and Support." Was able to get to the correct Windows place, whereby I downloaded and installed the 74 old updates I needed!

Thank you Canibus. I went to that site you gave me but to be honest - I don't understand much of it. I did see something at the bottom of the page with some instructions - Is this what I should do? Start > Run > type 'Control Inetcpl.cpl' > Click the Advanced tab > Under Browsing > Uncheck 'Enable third-party browser extensions (requires restart)' Restart Internet Explorer. Thank you again, Debbie.

If you're running Windows 98, your computer could be ancient from a technical standpoint. It would be interesting to know its age and see the specs (RAM, processor speed, and hard drive size). However, I suspect that, if the machine is as old as I think, it may be time for a new computer that can keep up with all the resource intensive demands of today's software. I'm not saying that you couldn't make this work, but you are at the point where you will continue to have more and more problems, and not have any tech support to fall back on. Many web sites have complex graphics and other features that will tax an older machine. It's like trying to fly cross-country with a rubber-band powered airplane.

Lynn, When you visit the 'Windows Update' website Welcome to Microsoft Update you will be 'flashed', not by Ray Stevens and 'The Streak', but by Microsoft checking to see if you have the latest Windows updating software which validates that you have a legitimate copy of 'Windows' (it's called, or was, 'WGA' Windows Genuine Advantage). That's the valdiation you were talking about. Microsoft on occasion will upgrade their 'Validation' tool. After it has validated that your copy of Windows is legit it will give you the option of 'Express' or 'Custom' (which includes other options that Windows feels you might need, such as 'drivers', etc.) install. I prefer not to use those. For all practical purposes the 'Express' (Get high priority updates- Recommended)option should scan your computer and let you know exactly what you need (with a few exceptions). If you use any of the Microsoft office products, such as the Microsoft Office 'Power Point' or 'Excel' viewers, 'Windows Updates' will not cover updates for that software unless_________. If you do use any of those Microsoft 'Word' programs (and I'm not really all that familiar with all of them)and you want to have 'Windows Update' include updates for those, what you have to do is when you open the 'Windows Updates' site there is an option to include updates for other 'Microsoft' products. I just did this a few days ago but forgot the terminoly they used. It's just a matter of clicking on a link to get 'Office'? updates now, or something to that effect. The 'Belarc' advisor does a nice job of scanning your computer and letting you know where it's deficient, including updates. If you scroll down to 'Missing Microsoft Security Hotfixes' that will tell you what Microsoft hotfixes (KB- 'Knowledge Base') fixes need to be installed for your computer. Below the 'Installed Microsoft Hotfixes' section you can see where they list those updates that have installed properly (Green checkmark), failed (Red X), etc. Clicking on 'detail' will take you to MS and explain the update. "I guess I have 2 questions:" "is there a way I can check to see if I have these updates on my computer?" Using 'Win XP' you can check what updates you have installed by going to Start/Control Panel/Change or Remove Programs/ and select 'Show Updates' at the top and scroll down to your updates. "- if I don't, how do I get them." Windows Security & Updates It's getting late and I'm under 'full sail' again (Seagrams), but if this didn't come across maybe a few of the others here, (R'C'?), could jump in and put a cap on it. Signing off for now,_____gettink to hard to coordnate the finkers. Good luck, Witz P.S. Also, if you want to put a shortcut to 'Windows Update' on your 'Desktop'(for those who don't use the 'Automatic update' feature and need a reminder) to check for the updates (they're supposed to come out the 2nd Tuesday of every month but you never know when they feel something important should be released sooner. I have gotten into the habit checking once a week. Using Win Xp, click Start/All Programs, at the top of the list you should have the 'Windows Update' link. Right click that link, scroll down to 'Send to', and select 'Desktop-create shortcut'. This will work for any of the programs you have.