Originally posted here by cytex
Instead of doing a format and reinstall why don't you try doing a restore back to a date when my search wasn't infecting your computer programs/accessories/system tools/restore this might get rid of it without reinstalling windows
I turned that feature off when I walked into virus.

It all seems ok now. I got rid of a few registry bugs, and deleted the folder, re-set the home page again. Rebooted Then found find manger is actually lop.com. Went there and found the un-installer and bingo I seem to have (touch wood) hijack free.

Ie unfortunately is in a sorry state, it needs repair but XP hasn't got the repair feature Me used to have, but is functioning. The passwords are shot to hell, so I may yet do a re-install.A fresh machine to start loading useless programs onmight be a better move yet.

I'll check out firefox.

Thanks all for the help.