[GreatOne]

I unplugged the telephone line that was going into the desktop and plugged it directly into the laptop, and I did not get a dial tone (after getting one seconds earlier for the desktop). And I also used two different lines where I usually connect and they didn't work. I'm going to be getting DSL at home in a few weeks, anyway, but want to try to fix this now. Thanks for your suggestion.

I think you're right that it was the spyware programs that told me to disable the system restore.

[wildbill]

After you clean out your spyware you should re-enable system restore in my opinion. It has been a God's-send for me a couple of times. I recently downloaded Microsoft Windows Media Viewer version 10 and it wouldn't work and wouldn't uninstall. But System restore took me back to a usable version 9.

Since the desktop works from the same wall connector, your laptop is clearly the culprit here. And if the modem is checking out on the troubleshooter, then you might look at the tiny connector wires at the outlet where the phone line plugs in as the problem. Any dirt or lint? Bent?