[saltash]

PC is running a little faster but it still took 38 seconds from clicking the Firefox icon to the homepage downloading.
And yes I connect through a router.Do you think uninstalling the PC tools firewall will help? If so I am with you on the uninstall

[saltash]

PC is running a little faster but it still took 38 seconds from clicking the Firefox icon to the homepage downloading.
And yes I connect through a router.Do you think uninstalling the PC tools firewall will help? If so I am with you on the uninstall

[CompCav]

Adding memory is the real solution. How long have you had PCTools Firewall installed?

Have you made any progress on a PS/2 keyboard?

[saltash]

I installed PC Tools Firewall about a year ago maybe a little longer.
No joy with a plug in keyboard as everyone either has wireless keyboards or laptops. I will ask around again and may try some charity shops.

[CompCav]

You can get them online for as little as $9.99 US but some charity shops should have old computers or even schools.

Download Revo Uninstaller and install it on your machine.

Only get the free not the Pro version.

Then uninstall PC Tools Firewall. Use the moderate settings and remove all the bold items only in the registry, if non are showing just hit the plus until they do.

Reboot.

Then go to Windows security center in Control panel and make sure windows firewall is turned on. See if it is any better performing.

CompCav

[saltash]

Computer responding a lot faster than it was.
Still no plug in keyboard as yet but I have been working 7 days so will try and get one when I get a chance.
Thanks for the great effort you have put in CompCav it really is appreciated.

[CompCav]

Except for the keyboard and BIOS adjustment we have left to do the important fact is your computer is clean.

The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:

Run OTL

• Under the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, paste in the following
  

  Quote

  :Commands
  [resethosts]
  [emptytemp]
  [CLEARALLRESTOREPOINTS]
  [Reboot]

• Then click the Run Fix button at the top
  
• Let the program run unhindered, reboot the PC when it is done

Run OTL and hit the cleanup button. It will remove all the programmes we have used plus itself.

We will now confirm that your hidden files are set to that, as some of the tools I use will change that

• Click Start.
  
• Open My Computer.
  
• Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
  
• Select the View Tab.
  
• Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Do not show hidden files and folders.
  
• Click Yes to confirm.
  
• Click OK.

Your Java is out of date.
Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system.
Please follow these steps to remove older version of Java components and upgrade the application.

Upgrading Java:

• Go to this site and click Do I have Java
  
• It will check your current version and then offer to update to the latest version

Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:

Malwarebytes.

Update and run weekly to keep your system clean

Download and install FileHippo update checker and run it monthly it will show you which programmes on your system need updating and give a download link

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated. To keep your operating system up to date visit

• Microsoft Windows Update

To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read our little guide How did I get infected in the first place ?Keep safe

[saltash]

Hi CompCav no luck with a plug in keyboard yet but I am still trying. I have however purchased a 1 Gig of RAM which I will attempt to install on Friday.
Had a bit of a scare yesterday when I git a BSOD but I restarted the PC and all seems well so far,the odd "Not Responding".
Once again thanks for all your assistance and time it really is appreciated.

[CompCav]

Good luck with the ram!

[saltash]

I added the new RAM today and the pc is like new again. I am in the process of downloading some of the stuff you suggest in the " How did I get infected in the 1st place" section.
Many thanks for all you help in this matter.
When I get hold of a PS 2 keyboard I will attempt the BIOS thingy.
Thanks again.
Saltash

[CompCav]

The RAM is necessary now with the current software on XP machines, when you bought it the needs were less. You have made a wise investment!

Regards,

CompCav

[CompCav]

User returned for Safe mode fix with keyboard.

[saltash]

OK CompCav rebooted and installed PS2 keyboard and its working fine.
Awaiting your instructions

[CompCav]

Power down the computer and watch the screen when it starts up.

There should be something like Press <F2> to enter setup.

It also maybe F1 or the Esc key or something else.

Press that key and go into the BIOS.

Once in the BIOS we need to check the Advanced screen for something like "USB Legacy Emulation"

We want to set it to Enabled

[saltash]

I attempted as you suggested and when I pressed the escape key it stopped the pc from booting automatically. This allowed me to press F8 which took me into the advanced menu screen which gave me all the usual options including safe mode. I booted in safe mode and it seems to be working fine.