I include the following information because I believe it to be of general interest and benefit. Readers may wish to forward this information to other PC users of their acquaintance. Microsoft Windows XP (only) includes a system save and restore facility. You can read about it and several other useful tips at this CNET URL: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10165_7-5601335-1.html?tag=nl.e501 This utility allows you to save the configuration of your system, including all software that you have installed, and at a future time revert to this configuration. You might wish to set this up to automatically run weekly or monthly. Should you then download some nasty spyware, you can fall back to the most recently saved configuration of your system and just make the new, intrusive software disappear. This technique will also resolve some but not all virus infections. Read the tips and, if you have Windows XP, I suggest that you make a backup of your system periodically to preclude any future catastrophe. Note, this suggestion is particularly important if you share your computer with others, most notably children, who are likely to be indiscriminate in what they download. Regards to all, Gary Pace San Jose, CA researching the descendants and antecedents of Henry B. Kemp