RandyL

Right click My Computer. Click Properties. Click Device Manager. Expand the tree under Universial Serial Bus Controllers. Find the Controllers and remove by right clicking. Reboot. I don't have much faith this will help but it can't hurt anything. Do you have any other USB devices plugged in that work?

The problem is that the software and drivers should have created the port. The software should have allowed the printer to connect via USB in effect allowing the USB to serve as a printer port thus a virtual port. I know of no way to do this manually. It's done by the printer software. Have you tried a different USB port? Have you tried removing your USB Hosts Controllers then rebooting?

Since this started with IE7 after upgrading from IE6 you could try to uninstall IE7 again. Then download IE7 and reinstall.

You might want to look at this and see if there is a policy restriction on IE. Disable/Enable Set Internet Options in Windows XP

What version of IE are you using now?

Let's verify the uninstallation and installation process. How do I uninstall a printer driver on Windows 2000 or XP? How do I install a USB printer on Windows 2000 or XP? Epson also has online chat support. Have you tried that?

Hi rowal; I think the product you suggested is similar to mcafee site advisor which is also free. Am I correct? If so then it's another good tool to advise. Knowledge is power right?

Education is indeed the first line of defense. That's why we we post and share.

I'm not defending any one product or expousing one over another. Just trying to expose myths and misconceptions. As for myself I run many layers of protection not just a suite. I only mentioned a few. Believe me Dave I've put my system to the test repeatedly and try as I might I just can't seem to infect myself. I'll try harder.

How did you get his real picture?

Time for me to weigh in on a few points and give my opinions. First of all the need for a full AV is more important then ever. In itself it's not enough but neither is a spyware blocker. Not even close for the latter. A full suite has advantages such as an included firewall and spyware protection as well as other features which may or may not be needed depending on the user. This is not to say that other spyware protection programs can't be used in conjuction with them. Or a different firewall even. I'll pass on Norton because it's had too many issues but compatability issues with an AV or suite has never caused problems for me and I've tested many. I've ran spyware programs side by side with AV and suites with no problem. If there is a conflict then it's usually with the developer of the stand alone product. That is it's poorly written and can't even co-exist with MS. As for me at the moment I'm running the Mcafee Suite with a 2 year subscription. At the early stage of Vista a decent free firewall was not an option. ZoneAlarm worked but slowed things down and I hated the interface. Along with my suite I am currently using Windows Defender which ships with Vista and SpywareBlaster. I've also ran all the scans we suggest with no conflict and more. I could throw out a number of other programs I've tested but so far the only thing I can find that causes issues or conflicts is Norton and Norton issues were with Windows not anything else. The bottom line is any decent program should run just fine alongside the others unless it's an AV or firewall. If a spyware program or scanner can't run ok then the fault is with the developer. Unless the developer is trying to pawn off the spyware blocker as a cheap AV too. I believe in stand alone products but suites have there place too. Given that the price between the two is minor it should not be ruled out. The world is changing.

Hi Miles; I usually see download problems with Adobe Shockwave player not Adobe Flash Player. In either case try downloading the stand alone installers to your desktop then install frome there. Shockwave Player 11 Flash Player 9

You just beat me to the post. Glad it's OK shrimply.

I'm still using FF2.0 updated and the site and links work OK for me too. Are you running any FireFox add-ons? Any chance one of your security programs are conflicting with it? As always malware is a possibility. Even in FireFox.

Hi Doug; There's really no need for it unless you're trying to diagnose a particular issue. I wouldn't bother.

Hi Russ; When looking for those two folders remember that it said one was hidden. Maybe the other is too. Enable Hidden Files And Folders to show.

Hi again pc; You're in good hands with Dalo. He knows his stuff. On another note I admire your "old school" way of thinking. Your honesty and sense of fair play is indeed honorable. Not trying to get something for nothing is not only old school but is also wise as this eliminates a lot of issues as you well know. Malware etc. You are to be commended for your sense of honesty and fair play as well as your wisdom. I salute you.

Goku I've read a few articles on what's going on. It seems no one has accepted responsibility but everyone including the government suspects certain factions of trying to incite differences between certain groups. It might be religous groups (radicals) that are attempting to do this. Hopefully they will fail in turning brother against brother. Let sane minds prevail so that the insanity of evil minds fails. Keep us posted.

My startup can be increased slightly but not much if I disable my AV and Sidebar. I think I'll leave the AV. Otherwise my startup is extremely fast and my system is fully functional and not sluggish at all for a few minutes. As you said Dave it's what the startup items are. Not how many. And of course the system specs. With a decent Vista with decent specs there's no need to strip it down to run like it was Windows 98.

73 processes here but it really does matter what the user chooses to run or if the computer was preloaded with other programs. For instance HP computers will be running some extra. The sidebar and other select Windows functions will add some. Programs may also be running at startup too of course. Given that's it Vista with the bells and whistles turned on and throw in some programs like an Office or AV 73 is not much at all and should not degrade the system with those specs. (yes a few of mine are HP related)

It's almost always the kids isn't it pete? Charge them the bucket load and tell them it was the kids fault. Maybe then the parents will do the job of parenting and monitor their usuage instead of using the computer as a baby sitter so they can do do their own thing. It might also be a good time to teach the kids to pay for things instead of trying to get something for nothing. Stuff like free music or cool games isn't free once the kid loses the allowance for 3 years to pay for the cleanup. And if the parents lose 6 months of their pay to pay off the law suit I'll bet they pay much more attention to their kids. I have very little sympathy after the first time. That's why I tell people on this forum to dump the crap for good or we can't help them.

I'm lucky guys. I don't have to do it for a living. I've just got to clean them for extended family members and extended friends and their families. Over the years my job gets easier. I lecture them on their habits and they pass it on. The few that won't I tell them to reinstall or pay me a bucket of money after the first time. Dump the free dodgy programs. (You know what I mean) install good AV and antispyware programs. Stay away from P2P. Keep updated. The bottom line is most people allow these worst cases to be installed or have no protection. Once educated they learn. If not charge them a bucket of money. Then they will listen and be educated. No pain. No gain.

We're all hoping for the best Goku. I hope the next news is better.

Thanks seth. You answered my questions perfectly.

Got it saved Pete. Thanks.