noob problem

Thanks for the regedit suggestions. I will try those after work tonight (actually in morning - 0300).
I have NAV 2000 but the def's are out of date and I cannot liveupdate (corrupt update list) until I renew the subscription ($20). So I tried the one from MicroTrend (housecall). I have also used bitdefender at the end of last year (30day free trial). I will download GriSoft tonight and see what that picks up.
By the way, I have SpyBot and run it regularly.
Len

well, i think have solved the problems.
cult.b - there is no sign of it anywhere in my registry. thanks for the help.
as for the email issue. I am using earthlink and decided to ask them. they directed me to a new download that takes care of "corrupt email messages". We shall see in time.

thanks for all the help.
also - reran housecall from trend micro - zero virii. woohoo!!

k' den,

len

i also d'loaded AVG. It also did not detect anything. :D :D :D