Unable to access Internet & very slow PC

:frowning: :frowning:
Hi I have just started to experience very slow operation of all application on my PC.
At the moment I cannot get into internet explorer or mozilla fire fox on my settings, but if I log of and go on the sme PC but in another user I can get onto internet ect.
The e-mail aplication works fine when I am logged as myself, but no internet connection.
When I try it just shows the egg timer for a few seconds then goes off and nothing!
I have done a complete scan using Avast on highest setting and also scanned using Spybot search and destroy, they came up with nothing.
Anyone got any ideas?
Would be nuch appreciated.
Do I need to get a Hijack this report or some other such report to help?
Many thanks.
Sparks

Hi Sparks. On another thread, it was recommended that you get the UPH cleanup service.
Did you ever get it?

A HijackThis log would help us see what is running on the system.


As Yokenny suggested -

Please download HijackThis from the link below. Do not download HJT to the desktop but instead download it into it’s own folder on the hard drive.

Run the program but do not make any fixes and then post the log results using the “copy & paste” method. It will probably take more than one post to be able to get the complete log posted.

OR, you can post it as an attachment to your post by clicking on “Additional Options…” below left of the posting box.

When you post the log, be sure to include the complete log … header and ending.
Someone will review your log and then offer help.

http://filehippo.com/download_hijackthis/


:slight_smile: Hi Sparks :

IF you are going to have someone “read” a HijackThis Log, then it would be Best done by a certified, Volunteer “Malware Removal Specialist” and since you
have Spybot, their Support Forums at http://forums.spybot.info have many
such “Specialists” .

What’s wrong with the specialists here?

:slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile:
Thanks for all the replies!
I have done a hijack this report and it should be below.
Tarq57 Yes I have got CCleaner and run it every time, almost as soon as I get off line, I have rub it several more times since the situation, but it does not seem to have made much difference.
To give a bit more info, when I first start up and log on on my wifes page I can get on the internet, but no way can I do it on when Im logged on as myself.
And everything does not seem too bad on mine until I try to get on the web, when all things get very slow!!
I have just done another spybot scan and it came up clean.
I am just running another scan on avast with all high setting to see what that brings up.
Just one more piece of info, I have just tried to get on the internet as myself logged on, absolutely nothing, but it did start to slow things down more when I tried to do that, than when I was working on the PC doing other things, but I am able to be on line as my wife!!. Strange.
The avast scan is running very slow, so I will post another log when that is finished, thanks again for all the help.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 4:18:01 PM, on 8/29/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16876)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\AskBarDis\bar\bin\AskService.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SpybotSD.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: AskBar BHO - {201f27d4-3704-41d6-89c1-aa35e39143ed} - C:\Program Files\AskBarDis\bar\bin\askBar1.dll
O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Java™ Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: ZoneAlarm Spy Blocker Toolbar - {3041d03e-fd4b-44e0-b742-2d9b88305f98} - C:\Program Files\AskBarDis\bar\bin\askBar1.dll
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [avast!] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [Cmaudio] RunDll32 cmicnfg.cpl,CMICtrlWnd
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [EPSON Stylus C62 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE /P23 “EPSON Stylus C62 Series” /O6 “USB001” /M “Stylus C62”
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] “C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe”
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [ZoneAlarm Client] “C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe”
O4 - HKCU..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKCU..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU..\Run: [MSMSGS] “C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe” /background
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-21-343818398-2111687655-725345543-1005..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe (User ‘Josie’)
O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-21-343818398-2111687655-725345543-1005..\Run: [MSMSGS] “C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe” /background (User ‘Josie’)
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra ‘Tools’ menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra ‘Tools’ menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra ‘Tools’ menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O23 - Service: ASKService - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\AskBarDis\bar\bin\AskService.exe
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate1c9ae56f2e5e846) (gupdate1c9ae56f2e5e846) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Check Point Software Technologies LTD - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe


End of file - 5739 bytes

I see Ask.com toolbar installed and a (file missing) entry that should be removed:
O2 - BHO: AskBar BHO - {201f27d4-3704-41d6-89c1-aa35e39143ed} - C:\Program Files\AskBarDis\bar\bin\askBar1.dll
O2 - BHO: Java™ Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: ZoneAlarm Spy Blocker Toolbar - {3041d03e-fd4b-44e0-b742-2d9b88305f98} - C:\Program Files\AskBarDis\bar\bin\askBar1.dll <== one reason why I don’t like ZoneAlarm

Go to Add/Remove Programs and un-install Ask.com toolbar.

Install User Profile Hive Cleanup Service:
Brief Description
A service to help with slow log off and unreconciled profile problems.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=1B286E6D-8912-4E18-B570-42470E2F3582&displaylang=en

Get Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) then update it then run a Quick scan and let it remove all it finds:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Post its log here after it completes.

Install IE8 as it is faster and safer than IE7:
Stay Safer Online
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/features/safer.aspx
Accelerators
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/features/faster.aspx

Modify your signature to indicate the system type and speed with the amount of RAM you are running.

Why ? Apart from being poor, why should he/she remove Ask toolbar

Read about it:
Current Practices of IAC/Ask Toolbars
http://www.benedelman.org/spyware/ask-toolbars
http://hosts-file.net/default.asp?s=www.ask.com <== EMD - sites engaged in malware distribution

+1 for never install Ask toolbar.

??? ???
Just a quick reply.
Avast did a scan,… showed nothing?!
I went into ‘add/remove’ programmes, there is no ask toolbar there. Honest!!
Will try the other things you recomended.
Thanks

Try http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm to remove toolbars.

??? ???
Ok below is the report for the malwarebytes programme.

Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware 1.40
Database version: 2713
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

8/29/2009 8:46:17 PM
mbam-log-2009-08-29 (20-46-17).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan
Objects scanned: 93752
Time elapsed: 24 minute(s), 1 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Also got rid of the ask toolbar thanks to the removal tool suggested by Tech. Thanks
By the way Micky77. I’m a He not a She. thanks…!

For Shubham… I have got internet connection on another user on the same PC. and I can get email on when I am logged to my account.

:slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :slight_smile:
WELL DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY!!
I uninstalled mozilla Firefix browser and reinstalled it and everything is back to normal. ;D ;D
I have done a hijack this to see if anyone can see anything there that shouldn’t be.
We keep my eye on it to see what happens now.
Thanks for all your help though guys.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 6:29:35 PM, on 8/31/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16876)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE
C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\AskBarDis\bar\bin\AskService.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashSimpl.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SpybotSD.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHelperStub - {18DF081C-E8AD-4283-A596-FA578C2EBDC3} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Acrobat\ActiveX\AcroIEHelperShim.dll
O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: Java™ Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: ZoneAlarm Spy Blocker Toolbar - {3041d03e-fd4b-44e0-b742-2d9b88305f98} - C:\Program Files\AskBarDis\bar\bin\askBar1.dll
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [avast!] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [Cmaudio] RunDll32 cmicnfg.cpl,CMICtrlWnd
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [EPSON Stylus C62 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE /P23 “EPSON Stylus C62 Series” /O6 “USB001” /M “Stylus C62”
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] “C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe”
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [ZoneAlarm Client] “C:\Program Files\Zone Labs\ZoneAlarm\zlclient.exe”
O4 - HKCU..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKCU..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU..\Run: [MSMSGS] “C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe” /background
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra ‘Tools’ menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra ‘Tools’ menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra ‘Tools’ menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99f7-4bb4-88d8-fa1d4f56a2ab} (YInstStarter Class) - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common\yinsthelper.dll
O23 - Service: ASKService - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\AskBarDis\bar\bin\AskService.exe
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate1c9ae56f2e5e846) (gupdate1c9ae56f2e5e846) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: User Profile Hive Cleanup (UPHClean) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\UPHClean\uphclean.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: TrueVector Internet Monitor (vsmon) - Check Point Software Technologies LTD - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ZoneLabs\vsmon.exe


End of file - 5465 bytes

:slight_smile: Hi :

Your Log shows you have the misnamed “Spy Blocker” from Zone Alarm ; Best
to uninstall it based on the highly reliable Info by “Corrine” written at
http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2007/12/beware-of-zonealarm.html .

Adobe Reader is a malware-prone product ; Best to uninstall it and use a
SAFER PDF-Reader like the FREE “Foxit Reader”, with Info at
www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader .

Get rid of ZoneAlarm as it is infected with Ask.com.

If you must use a software firewall then use PC Tools or Outpost.

Close all browser windows then run HijackThis then select the following then click Fix checked:
O2 - BHO: Java™ Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll (file missing)
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] “C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe”
O23 - Service: User Profile Hive Cleanup (UPHClean) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\UPHClean\uphclean.exe (file missing)

Reinstall User Profile Hive Cleanup Service as it seems like it is broken:
Brief Description
A service to help with slow log off and unreconciled profile problems.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=1B286E6D-8912-4E18-B570-42470E2F3582&displaylang=en

Install IE8 as it is faster and safer than IE7 and is used by Windows:
Stay Safer Online
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/features/safer.aspx
Accelerators
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/features/faster.aspx

Hi Spiritsongs.
I have taken your advice and uninstalled Abode and installed Foxit Reader, must admit it works a whole lot faster!
Also removed Spyblocker from Zone Alarm. Thanks. V much.
For Yo Kenny. I must admit up until a few days ago, I had not had any problems with Zone Alarm , but I have installed PC Tools Firewall to see how it performs.
Did the Hijack this and found the 02-BHO… and the 023-Service;User profile…could not find 04-HKLM..Run;[Abode Reader… could this be because I uninstalled that one?
Anyway I checked the other 2 and ran Fix Checked, but I am still left with the User Profile Hive Cleanup…I also went to download another version of it, but cant get it to run , or do anything for that matter, it just says installed…although I don’t know where… and then nothing. Am I doing something wrong??
By the way, I have been running Mozilla firefox for a couple of years now, is Internet Explorer REALLY better, or is it just a personal preference??
Appreciate your feed back.

I have done another Hijack this report below to try to help.
Many thanks guys.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 7:29:49 PM, on 9/1/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16876)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE
C:\Program Files\PC Tools Firewall Plus\FirewallGUI.exe
C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
C:\Program Files\PC Tools Firewall Plus\FWService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Spybot-S&D IE Protection - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [avast!] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [NeroFilterCheck] C:\WINDOWS\system32\NeroCheck.exe
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [Cmaudio] RunDll32 cmicnfg.cpl,CMICtrlWnd
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [EPSON Stylus C62 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE /P23 “EPSON Stylus C62 Series” /O6 “USB001” /M “Stylus C62”
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [SoundMan] SOUNDMAN.EXE
O4 - HKLM..\Run: [00PCTFW] “C:\Program Files\PC Tools Firewall Plus\FirewallGUI.exe” -s
O4 - HKCU..\Run: [SpybotSD TeaTimer] C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\TeaTimer.exe
O4 - HKCU..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU..\Run: [MSMSGS] “C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe” /background
O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra ‘Tools’ menuitem: Spybot - Search & Destroy Configuration - {DFB852A3-47F8-48C4-A200-58CAB36FD2A2} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra ‘Tools’ menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra ‘Tools’ menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Common Files\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe
O23 - Service: Google Update Service (gupdate1c9ae56f2e5e846) (gupdate1c9ae56f2e5e846) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe
O23 - Service: PC Tools Firewall Plus (PCToolsFirewallPlus) - PC Tools - C:\Program Files\PC Tools Firewall Plus\FWService.exe


End of file - 4452 bytes

I see:
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16876)

IE is integral to Windows and it is used everywhere even Windows Explorer so having IE8 installed makes Windows a bit more secure.

I have no idea why User Profile Hive Cleanup does not install for you.

Have you tried Google to search for it? Maybe you need your own country’s version for your system?

When it installs for me it just installs then when I look in Application Event logs I see that it loads OK at boot up then ends OK at Logoff.

At boot up I see Event ID 1001:
User profile hive cleanup service version 1.6.30.0 started successfully.

At Logoff I see Event ID 1010:
User profile hive cleanup service stopped successfully.