[Dawndd]

Hello -

I said I wouldn't write today, but since you asked: I trimmed my processes and the computer is moving quickly. Oh yes, I trimmed the services first. I looked around on the web after doing so and got the distinct impression that anything that I did through services.msc would show up in the services list that comes up with msconfig. Not quite so in my case, and I don't know how much of a problem that is. The only remaining issue in that area is that I was advised to put "computer browser" on automatic and it is in services.msc but it is stopped in msconfig. However, it takes no time at all to open and use Mozilla, IE, and AOL (I haven't had time to look at Opera yet).
Which leaves me with - ta da - my original problem. Those two pages haven't hesitated once through this whole process to pop up right away. Dare I try and follow those instructions that you gave me before (much more carefully) to try to figure out the cause of the problem? I'm just happy that things are back to where they were and I think I'm going to put up with those goofy pages for a few days while I make sure that I didn't cause any other problems. If I find no other problems then I will follow your instructions, making sure to Hide Microsoft Services 1st, and I'll let you know what I can find.
For now I'm going to clean this place and get Toshiba out here to fix my TV sound.
I'll report back. I bought a few things from the store, but when the next paycheck comes in I'll make a donation as a way of showing how much I appreciate all of your help and support.
Dawn

[Rollin' Rog]

Only services that are enabled in services.msc will show up in msconfig > services.

I'm just not sure what is happening with that other issue. Is there anything under C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\

OTHER THAN the "Programs" folder?

[Dawndd]

Yes. Other than the program folder is: the Microsoft Update folder, the Set Programs and Defaults, the Windows Catalog and the Windows Update. All of these could probably be moved or deleted. Then we have the program folder which when clicked on is loaded with programs - for a relative novice, I mean.
Dawn

[jwinathome]

Just out of curiosity.....What is contained in the following folder....

C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Rolling, I think you are doing a great job, and I know I appreciate the effort you are giving also.

[Rollin' Rog]

Thanks JW' -- yes the HijackThis scanlog doesn't show anything there -- but that doesn't mean something might be lurking that it is missing -- good point.



>> But what is this?

Microsoft Update folder

That is not in my screenshot.

On my two XP SP2 systems, other than "Programs", there is only:

Set Program Access and Defaults
Windows Catalog
Windows Update

[jwinathome]

Its an Automatic Updates shortcut for the MU launcher located in the system32 folder. It is on all 4 of my XP Pro comps.


Here is a forum subject on it...Check it out....

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?act=ST&f=70&t=50194

[Rollin' Rog]

Well it's been eons since I've used Automatic Updates -- so that may be why I don't have it. Thanks.

[jwinathome]

Do you think it might be just something to do with Mozilla listed in her either Default User or All Users startup folder?

[Rollin' Rog]

Well, in the "all users" path, that's what I thought at first and had her rename it. Then something from AOL began opening up. (posts 6,7)

I've seen similar issues where there is another directory with the name "program" in it in the same path, but nothing appears similar here.

[jwinathome]

Oh, I'm sorry I missed that.

[Dawndd]

Yes -

Rollin' is quite amazing. He's very determined and he doesn't let me get depressed.

I do have two windows that pop up. I can get the whole titles of them for you again. I know they are on here if you just scroll for awhile. One is Mozilla, with no icons in it, and the other is AOL, with a lot of icons in it.

However, I do not have a Default User in my Docs and Settings. I have "Dawn" and I have "All Users". Since I'm "All Users" I which I could just blast that page to kingdom come.
Thank you both,
Dawn

[Rollin' Rog]

Just to clarify once again -- are those two programs listed in this directory?

C:\Documents and Settings\Default User\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

Because your scanlog shows no entries for "global startup" which is that directory.

[Dawndd]

Hi -

It's always been "All Users" because I have no Docs and Settings file called Default Users. So just plug in All Users for Default Users. Hmmm Global Startup, another thing I never heard of.
Dawn

[Rollin' Rog]

Ok, maybe we are getting closer to narrowing down this confusion.

The proper location for automatic startups in the "All Users" directory is:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup

But in your original post you say these programs which are opening are in:

C:/Documents and Settings/All Users/Startup

Note the difference. If your "startup" folder is NOT in the first location, but in the second -- it is in the wrong place.

There should be NO "Startup" directory in the All Users Folder.

What may have happened is that you have inadvertanly moved it.

If that's the case, copy it to ...\Start Menu\Programs directory there and delete the one in "All Users"

[Dawndd]

OK. Actually I have Cocuments and Settings/All Users/Start Menu. Sorry if I said Startup at some point. I don't know if that makes a difference. In the Start Menu is a program folder with lots of programs inside it (and those other 4 items I told you about outside of it). Also, I think you are getting there. Inside the program folder, amongst all those programs is a Startup folder with -drum roll - Mozilla and AOL in it. AOL and Mozilla already have icons in the list of programs when I click open the folder. Since this is a bit different then what you said I will not do anything until I hear from you again.
I hope we are getting there, but if not i still appreciate everything.
Dawn
(P.S. Since how criminal defense lawyers try to never get their hopes up; not that I'd ever not give 100%)