[TerryNet]

With a router you are protected against incoming attacks essentially the same way you are by a software firewall. But there is no reason to not keep the XP firewall running also.

You have a Dell, right? You probably have a CD labeled Drivers or Resource and Drivers with all the drivers you need (except for external things like a printer). After you are all up and running again you may want to check for any Dell driver updates, but the CD is fine for getting started; also often fine "forever."

The only thing I can say with full confidence about anti-virus (or anti-spyware) programs is that there is no best one unless you define your criteria and time very carefully. I have a (paper) subscription to PCWorld magazine (see the link for some of their reviews) and skim their annual ratings of the "best" anti-malware programs. None ever get close to perfect, and every year the rankings change.

I was satisfied with Ad-Aware and Norton Anti-Virus (one system) and AVG free (all other systems), but recently have switched to using Microsoft Security Essentials, as it seems to be quieter and less obtrusive. When I ran a full scan (instead of a quick scan) on my desktop it took hours, but did not appreciably slow the system; and it found and removed something that Norton, Ad-Aware and Spybot had not detected.

[Newhavenmama]

Hi TerryNet (and Vicki)!!
Well I finally set aside the time to just sit down and do the deed! I have done a reinstall of and am amazed at the fact I've gone from having 10% free space to 90%!! Of course, this is running at bare minimum but hoping we can keep things cleaner. I had some trouble with my email but have rectified that but at the moment, the only thing not working is my sound which I'm sure is something simple so will work on that tonight.

I can't thank you both enough for all your help! Vicki you kept me going on this when I surely would have given up otherwise!

Cheers from PEI, Canada to both of you! This site is amazing thanks to people like you!!

Donna

[TerryNet]

Glad we, especially Vicki, could help. Top suspect for the sound problem is a missing driver. If Device Manager confirms this guess you can get it from your Drivers CD or Dell's web site. If you use the web site use your Service Tag for easier searching; and I think it's better to NOT use their download manager.