Seeking FReeper advice on one remaining computer problem.

Almost 100% of the time when you see the Windows Firewall being shutdown without user interaction, and doing so repeatedly, means you have a virus.

That it is shutting down repeatedly after each boot means it’s a nasty virus that is probably transmitting data over the internet.

So, I suggest finding the Windows XP Product Key (the license key), writing it down, then reformatting and reinstalling your WIndows XP.

Free software to find your windows xp key:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/
If the PC came with any MS Office software, this software will find the product keys for that too.

ALso please note if your windows XP is WIndows XP Home, Windows XP Pro, Windows XP Home OEM, Windows XP Pro OEM.

Which ever you have, you need to find a Windows XP installation CD that will accept the current license key you have, to save you money. Ask around, you just need the install CD, plenty of them floating around 9.5 years after XP was launched.

When buying a used PC with an existing OS installed, you always need to reformat and reinstall...

Just to let everyone know that while I was experimenting with firewalls last night I downloaded and installed the free version of Zone Alarm as some have advised and it crashed my computer. I mean, it gummed it up big time, even worse than the Norton that came on it. I thought I'd never get it off! I thought it was back to the shop for sure.

I know you guys meant well, but that is one nasty program!

I've used Zone Alarm for 10 years, I like it better than Windows firewall. I've never had a problem with it.

Your problem isn't a software problem it's seems to be a malware problem. You either have a virus or had one in the past that left some bad registry keys behind.

It needs to be cleaned up properly. Anti virus programs don't always clean everything up, but there are programs that will.

Your problem isn't a software problem it's seems to be a malware problem. You either have a virus or had one in the past that left some bad registry keys behind.

And since I've only had this computer a week, perhaps the previous owner did.

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