ok i think im at the point where i need to re-install my operating system (XP btw) - i know i need to back up all of my essential documents, programs, etc. to disk... but are there any other really important bits of advice anyone can offer me? if you cant tell, ive never done this before and am only mildly confident that i can pull it off without a hitch
I would get everything in order first. Download the latest virus patches, copy install programs to CD, etc etc. You need to get your system installed, patched, and have good anti-virus running before you hook to the web. Otherwise you'll go down faster than a hooker from Singapore. http://theopencd.sunsite.dk/ - CD of good open-source software you may want to install http://www.autopatcher.com/ - Utility you can download that handles patching your system (need SP1 installed first) http://www.lavasoftusa.com/ - Spyware cleaner http://www.safer-networking.org/ - another spyware cleaner http://www.free-av.com/ - antivirus software http://www.privoxy.org/ - web proxy http://www.enigmaticsoftware.com/cachesentry/ - if you use IE, this will better manage your cache http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/ - a better web browser than IE Download all the stuff you think you need out of that, burn 'em to disc, back up your data files to CD, and start with a reformat.
ok i am now less confident - i didnt even understand half of what you were talking about and i cant exactly pour through a bunch of research becuase my computer freezes up in less than 10 minutes maybe i should take it to a computer store this fecking sucks!!!
i seem to have accidently cured the problem by removing real player - it made an automatic update around the time problems started and i took a chance it might help - probably overloaded the codecs or something