I have already received help in the Malware Forum. My computer is clean and protected, and MasterJ in the Malware Forum referred me here for possible assistance.
Several strange things happen when I deal with .MPG and .JPG files. My still camera will take video in .MPG format. When I download the files to my computer, the video files have a name like HP1234.mpg. When I try to change the name to something meaningful in Windows Explorer, all I have to do is click on the file name and Windows Explorer closes down, telling me that there is an error. I cannot do anything with the MPG files in Windows Explorer (rename, delete, copy, move) without the program closing. I didn't used to have a problem with the files. Looking back at my old files, I was apparently able to rename them through at least July 2005, but starting in August I have not been able to do anything with the files in Windows Explorer. BTW, the .MPG files seem to be fine. I can open PowerDVD, search for the .MPG files through that program, and play them without a problem.
In addition to this problem, over the past few weeks preceding the holidays, I began to have problems with JPG files. It started with my not being able to upload them to my Yahoo Groups picture albums (when previously I had no trouble) without the program closing. Then I could not upload to a public webpage that I use to store pictures. Eventually, I was unable to edit my photos (red-eye reduction, cropping) without the photo editing program closing. This all progressed over a few months, which is why I thought it could be a virus. However, my computer is clean yet the problems persist.
Interestingly, I am able to upload JPG's to the Walgreens Photo Service website, but I understand that this type of upload uses Viewpoint, so perhaps that is the reason I do not have trouble.
I clearly do not know much about computers or how to troubleshoot. I enjoy working with my pictures and little videos, so any advice or direction you all can provide is appreciated.
Thank you for your help, Barb