I did not have a CD and therefore I went to http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html (Uniblue)where I was persuaded to part with some cash which I did after I had seen the Microsoft approved logos etc.

I still have the same problems as itemised.

Note that I am a little disillusioned with Uniblue who offer a price then add VAT when one is practically commited and I also suspect that the software has a yearly limit, even possibly to the end of this year.

Thank you for your interest Woodchip. There are no yellow exclamation marks. The drawer still opened for me at boot up and the other items still fail. Could it be that regarding item 3 that it is something to do with Outlook Express?

I got a small window that was headed Window File Protection which stated that files required for Windows to run properly must be copied to the DLL cache. Insert your Windows Professional service pack 3 CD now with an clickable options to Retry or More Information or Cancel. As I don't have a CD I am stuck it appears as I have a uccesion of small window that put me on a gobbledegook roundabout.

I don't know if this is relevant but the CD drawer opens immediately on switching on and sometimes having retracted it, it will sometimes open after booting is complete.

I did try getting you a picture of these windows by printing the screen, going to Photoshop and copying and pasting to this reply but it didn't work. Pity.

Thank you for your interest. What is Snakeoil?

Press Man. I appreciate your comments but the fact that these 3 things occured at the same time seems to indicate a common cause and as I am not familiar with what you propose, I hesitate to go down that route.

Ah well. As some computer newby once remarked, I can always use the drawer for holding my morning cup of coffee.