i waited too long to install a firewall and my computer got kind of "messy." hoefully this will prevent that from happening again.

i have started a log thread inthe hijackthis forum.

is there anything i need to be aware of while using this firewall.

my wife is a nursing student and will be using the computer at her school and connecting to the schools wireless network.

the machine in question is a IBM Thinkpad purchased in 03 and running a 02 version of XP porfessional with service pack-1. we also use IE as our webrowser.

Your log is posted here.

Please refrain from asking for help from other members or staff until the HJT Team has checked your posted log. The HJT Team work very hard to investigate a unique solution to your problem and you will receive individual expert assistance. This takes time and effort.

Thus, we ask you to please be patient while waiting for assistance and NOT to make further changes to your computer (install/uninstall programs, use special fix tools, delete files, edit the registry, etc) unless advised by a HJT Team member. Any modifications you make can result in system changes which may not show it the log you already posted. Further, following advice outside of that post may cause confusion for the team member assisting you and could complicate the malware removal process which would extend the time it takes to clean your computer.

The HJT Team should be the only members that you take advice from, until they have verified your log as clean. I'm closing this topic until you are cleared by the HJT Team. If, after your log has been cleaned, you still need help, please PM a Moderator and we will re-open this topic. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to send me a PM.

Thanks for your cooperation.