Is your computer a member of an Active Directory domain? If so you could
have Software Restriction Policies that are preventing it and if you look in
the application log via Event Viewer you should see a SRP event logged
showing that executable was not allowed. Even non domain computers can have
SRP enabled in Local Security Policy for XP Pro though that normally is
something that the computer owner or administrator would know about. Does
everything else work fine and what version of XP are you using?? Are you
behind a firewall?? Is your wireless network protected by WEP or much better
yet WPA? If using WEP when was the last time you changed your WEP key? Are
you the only user and the only one that has access to this computer? Malware
can cause all sorts of unexplained behavior and you should proceed
accordingly being sure to scan your computer for both viruses and spyware
being sure to use up to date definitions for each program you use and also
scan in Safe Mode. AdAware SE is a pretty good spyware program if you
currently do not use one. If malware is detected then the antivirus program
may remove the malware but not be able to change the settings it implemented
though you may be able to do it manually with the help from users in this
newsgroup if you post specifics of the problem. Also check your security log
via Event Viewer to see if any suspicious activity is found such as user
logons at unexplained times. --- Steve
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxpsp2/Default.mspx
--- Protect Your PC tips and other helpful links.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ -- AdAware SE
