Hi Jephree and thanx for the very fast reply.

XP was pre-installed in my PC when i bought it. The shop I bought it from did it. Is this bad? I have downloaded all critical updates except for SP1 and SP2. I have read (many internet posts) that they can do more damage to the pc than good. As I am just a user, I am kinda scared with all this...

Anyway, thanks a lot for explaining that the problem has to do with my not having SP2. At least now I know. Thanks also for the site ref.