Where do I begin! The problems I have started when I was running Norton Internet Utilities, including anti-virus, and was told that I had an internal error and the software had been disabled. I had to uninstall and reinstall it. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. I have had to install it on numerous occasions and am now very frustrated.
I have also lost Windows Media Player, (an internal application error has occurred), the System Restore facility. I have automatic windows updates and have downloaded I believe the lastest Security pack. When i go to Internet explorer and ask for further updates the site does not come up, (for the record I generally use Mozilla as my browser).

Can anyone help?...please.

Jon

Ok lets see here. You have to keep re-installing Norton System Works?

As far as the internal application error, my guess would be its a fairly serious problem. The fact that its deleted programs and causing errors is pretty virus like. The biggest hint is that its actually messing with Norton. Have you been able to run any virus scans?

It puzzles me that you've lost Windows Media Player in all this. That doesn't make sense to me. Also, could you please explain how System Restore is malfunctioning? The reason that [url="http://www.windowsupdate.com"]WindowsUpdate[/url] does not appear in Mozilla is because you have to open it using Internet Explorer to view it.

thanks for replying.
I did manage to run the anti virus programme but there were no viruses. I have tried to run windows update in explorer but it just comes up with a blank screen, and 'done' in the bottom corner. my other problem is that i bought the pc with xp bundled and no xp disk from dell. i would ring microsoft but i cannot find my serial number, will this be stored on my computer somewhere?

Are you running a laptop? Most laptops have the serial number on the bottom.

Usually dell sticks the sticker with the XP serial on the side of the case towards the back.

I am not running on a laptop but the windows problem seems to have been resolved. ironically i have been getting a download request from yahoo to upgrade my messenger. did that and windows restore was okay again. can't explain that one. now the problem seems to be my norton disk. i have uninstalled norton but when i try to reinstall it it runs fine then says half way thu the process that i have to insert the norton disk. am bemused.

any thoughts...

btw thanks for all your assistance so far.

That's really annoying that Norton asks you to insert the disk when it's already inserted. It's not a multi CD install, is it? Make sure that it's entirely removed before installing it.