Arrrggghh, Windows!Follow

Recently underwent partial computer failure in which I lost the ability to search my computer, use ad-aware, or access any search engine or popular email page. Figured I'd picked up a bad scumware or such and on someone's else advice used my Windows disk to repair windows which allowed me to run adaware which allowed me to remove 19 programs.

My computer is working better now but I have two problems.

One: Whenver I first start my computer whenever I open IE or try to search 'my computer' the computer pauses for about 30 seconds before continuing on. THis only happens on the first pass; when I open IE or search my computer later there is no pause. WHy is it doing this?

Two: I now can go to any website but I can't update my Windows. My automatic Windows Update disapeared when I repaired my OS and I believe it removed Service Pack I and II. Whenever I go to microsoft.com and try to go to their update page my computer freezes. This is the only link on any site that it freezes on. Any ideas?

Thanks, DK

Two words: Clean install.

Maybe try installing SP2 again but I don't like your chances of getting it running smoothly.

If you're going to do a clean install it's very important to get SP2 on the machine straight after as it contains some very important system updates which iron out problems. Problems that have built up over the 4 year lifespan of windows xp...

Oh, and those were all in the left hand box. THere was nothing in the right hand box.

--DK