Fran,

You don't have to go online to get a virus--all you need to do is install a downloaded file and they can sneake into your computer. However, I don't believe this is a virus or worm. Possibly a corrupted .ini file in windows. You may have to reinstall Windows to eleviate the problem.

The next, and easiest step is to download a copy of AVG Virus Scan from www.grisoft.com and scan the computer. Then, do a scan disk, followed by a disk-defragmentation. If this fails to solve the problem, the next step is to reinstall Windows, which hopefully will result in a cure.

If all this fails, the only option is to format the hard drive and do a complete restoration. I've had to do this a couple times in the past few years, it's a pain in the butt, but essentially, you end up with a brand-new computer.

Good Luck,

Gary