A Ping 7-iron applied properly to the CPU can do wonders, though.

 

A high velocity .22 shell right through the CPU does even better. Next time I take one out I'll display the pics here --> Official NW smiley just for Polarbear

 

You say the computer has been acting funny since you got it. It was probably working OK, and while you were in the "getting used to it phase" you may have run into some nasty programs, i.e. spyware, adware, and viruses in your first days of use. Those pests don't care what system you are running or how old the PC is, all it takes is entering into a few "blind links" on the internet and getting unknowingly ambushed by the evil cyber-hackers.
I wouldn't delete anything or try to change anything. Do not worry about system processes running.
You need to search for these following programs, download them, and let them start flushing the pests out into the open where you can delete them.
1. Microsoft Antispyware beta version@ Microsoft.com (very good so far)
2. Ad-Aware SE Personal by Lavasoft @www.lavasoft
3 Online virus scan @ Trend Micro's..find free scan
IF you have WinXP, Go to SAFE mode, turn off the computer and reboot it. After the initial black and white screen and BEFORE the windows logo pops up, press and momentarily hold the F8 key, sometimes you miss, and go into Windows, it takes a little practice to get into the SAFE mode options screen. When that screen comes on, select "safe mode with networking" this allows you to run the computer with the basic services enabled and stilll have internet access. Download and run the three programs I mentioned, one at a time in the order given. If you have basic internet, AOL, etc. on dial-up these programs take a long time to download, you may want to make sure your download will not be interuppted, by downloading programs at a time you're unlikely to get phone calls.

Run these programs, one at a time, let them finish completely. If you have a high speed connection it is much easier, I know it is frustrating waiting for a slower dial-up connection to up/download but it is important to successfully get these programs on your main drive and let them run.

If you get stuck at any point, turn the computer off and reboot, the PC should return to normal windows ops.
If you can at least get the Microsoft antispyware program running you should start seeing improvements in processor speed immediately.
Also, there is probably alot of stuff in your temporary internet files, and history, and other explorer nooks and crannies. Those files need to be maintained at least weekly. Sometimes it is good to delete all of it, (assuming you have written down all user names and passwords) and run the PC with clean internet explorer files.

Whatever you do, do not disable system restore just yet.
I am just touching on some very basic PC cleaning procedures, it can be very difficult to figure out exactly what your problems are. Do not forget you have the option of taking the PC to a professional repair person, it may cost you upwards of 100 bucks to fix the software, but most pros can fix any software problem without losing all your saved data. BTW, if you use a pro, they will be able to see all secrets and internet sites you have visited.

IMPORTANT!!!!!I think someone may have mentioned that you should have all
the latest updates for your PC. It is a not advised to try and update your windows software, unless you have swept the PC clean of all viruses, spyware, and adware. IT IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS TO UPDATE SOFTWARE WHILE YOUR PC IS INFECTED. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!

 

If your computers been around a while, you might want to pull the cover and blow all the dust out, especially the power supply. I've seen PS loaded with dust and lint and do weird things like lock up and reboot.

 

http://www.rojakpot.com
Here is a site with very good Bios setting explanations.

 

Fordguy, I managed to get it saved in Paint. Neat trick. Now how do I get it posted here? I see the Insert Image icon up there but on previewing the post all that shows up is the paint file name between the [IMG]'s. Is that normal?

 

Some other things I've done. Well, McAfee virus scan comes with AOl now. there spyware detection catches things but doesn't give much info on where it came from or
......well, detailed info, i guess.

I've downloaded Stinger and run it.

I've run spybot and done the immunize thing. I've run it both with and with out system restore on. My understanding is if you run spybot with system restore on it remembers the infected crap and keeps it?

I've run AdAare. It's not real clear to me how they are using the words/terms 'ignore' and 'exclude'.

IIRC I ran Stringer and spybot before I downloaded SP2.

I have a recent version of CWShedder.

By now I accept what ever updates MS sends. I've tried reading the info on them and it's greek to me.

 

I want to thank everyone again for responding. Special thanks to 77fordguy,
924x2150, and rangerxlt02. I know it takes time to crank out those long posts. I've got em saved.
I appreciate it.