For up-dated information provided by user:
No, problem solved, thanks.
It turns out after a long stay at the local computer shop, the mother board had to be replaced, so it wasn't a malware issue after all.
I think, given its age, I'll retire it soon and use it only as a back up when its replacement goes wrong.
Since this issue appears to be resolved ... this Topic has been closed. Glad we could help.
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