The Set Up

Q: I have two questions about problems bugging me about my computer operation. I have an E-machine computer equipped with Windows XP 9.0 Home version purchased this spring. Starting several weeks ago the Buddy List screen which used to stay setting on the left edge of the screen in a narrow column now wants to 'swarm' over the AOL I have tried to find someway to permanently stop the BL from popping up but haven't found anything that works. There is a 'edit' icon at the bottom of the list but nothing is listed when it is clicked indicating "delete Buddy List" etc.
When I turn on the computer and get about 2 or 3 steps into the start up procedure (when the background screen comes on with the list of features installed) my "My Documents" screen pops up on its own and if I don't click it off immediately it causes the computer to lock up and I have to completely shut down the computer and restart it. Any help you can offer will be appreciated. Keep the terminology simple. I don't know beans about computer operations other than what a friend who set up my computer equipment has shown me.
Don Story
A: Your buddy List doesn’t sound very friendly. The changes that you are experiencing may be the result of an upgrade of your instant messaging program. If so, there should be instructions either in the program or on the homepage of the programs maker. In your case, AOL. I believe that the Buddy List and Instant messenger program are linked, so you cannot remove the Buddy List without uninstalling the Instant Messenger. However, you should be able to remove individuals and groups from your list.
As far as the “My Documents” opening when you start your computer, it will require more hands on than your Buddy List problem. Similar problems have been linked to the dlder Trojan program, and also to other system downloads. Even if you have anti-virus or spyware software installed, it is imperative to ensure that they are as current as possible. This could mean checking their websites for updates weekly or monthly at the least. Nevertheless, you can scan your computer for free at www.symantec.com .
If you truly are not comfortable with the inner workings of your computer, then you should take it to someone who is. You may need to check the settings in the registry to fix this problem. You do this by clicking the Start button, then the Run option in the Start Menu. Next type regedit in the window. Once the registry is open you will need to ensure that there are not any files present that should not be there and also you will need to check the settings to this path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon