Thanks for that reply ClubMan. Yes, I did mean XP Firewall.
I tried the earlier advice using Tools in O.E. but it reverted
back.
Thanks too to everyone for all the excellent IT advice here.
I now have more protection than the Federal Bank! Problem is I haven't the knowledge to use/interpret some of the tools findings. I mean Registry Keys and all that. Got that new trial Microsoft tool too and my PC is squeaky clean. But it's still very slow starting and closing down and has been for months; as well as recent messages about being low in virtual memory. I increased the default space used from the hard drive and maybe that has sorted that.
Have also unpinned a lot of programs from the Start Menu hoping that would speed it up but no change. And have never
knowingly had a virus on this P.C. Use Norton and AdAwareSe
Plus and XP Firewall not to mention all these tools that I read about here and downloaded. I'm very cautious with
emails and Norton does a good job removing the odd
unsolicited one with a complementary virus attached. Don't get spam either.
Since nothing drastic has happened, maybe it's time to give up and live with the painfully slow Start Up?