im having the same problems as we speak, i just weant thru safe mode and deleted the folder C:\windows\srchasst and the reg key that weant along with it plus the prefetches, so far so good. I think it has to do with a program called randreco.exe. check out my posts to get my specs on the problem. so far so good. other then the fact that my homepage keeps getting changed to searchportal.info. ill let you know if it holds or i just waisted my time.