thanks mark, i'll give that a shot..i used spybot to check the startup config, i olny have 3 things running on startup..i think its a registry issue because 1)my brother uses this computer as well, 2)he is totally computer stupid, he sees popup's and clicks on them, etc. 3) he instals programs and deletes them instead of uninstalling. ive tries numberous good quality programs and they all tell me my resitry has alot of invalid links, im thinking mainly unused folders from the incorrectly uninstalled programs...format/reinstall isnt an option at this point, there is stuff on this pc that is important, dont have the cash for a burner right now( to back stuff up), i personally dont see the point in starting over if the only issue is the registry. it would makes things alot easier for me just to fix what i have, until i can save for a new computer..its well overdue.

rabbitman, thanks i'll give it a shot.

2_tone, sorry, i meant repair the registry, remove invalid links, etc..

thanks for the help people.