[mlip5]

I received a LifeCam vx-5000 and installed it after the holidays and it worked fine. Downloaded Skype and that seemed to be OK. I then updated my AVG antivir software and I believe there were 2 windows updates that automatically installed. I had a problem w/ running the cam since then. I had read that running other programs in the background causes a prob so I removed AVG (I was considering a diff anti vir program anyways). Didn't help. I then downloaded Avast (tried Panda but download never worked) ran virus scan and found 2. I virus vaulted them and after I did, I lost my internet connection (couldn't renew IP address) So I restored to a point where I knew I would get internet back but still cannot get cam to work. I get the message Lifecam.exe has become nonresponsive and needs to shut down. Possibly all of this is a coincidence but part of me is telling me its not. I have done so many restores while trying to fix this bc now I know there is a virus on here. Any suggestions just short of reinstalling my os?
I am not real computer savvy. Lots of the lingo doesn't make sense to me so bear with me if you think you can help me out.

I am hesitant and downloading and running an antivirus b/c I am amfraid of losing a restore point.

This pc is connected using a dell wireless adapter. I run a 2wire modem/router in the house for my other pcs which seem to be working OK. I use Windows Zero COnfig. I tried to disable and let the Dell adapter run the connection but I got some debug errors that totally confused me so I turned WZC back on.

I tried ipconfig and disabled startup items ( after hiding windows components) that didn't help me with the cam.

Thanks
T