Win ME doesn't have that, Sorcha. What's your ISP? Your ISP could be sending you this junk.

Anyway, no, you don't want to randomly do stuff in your registry.

First, back up your computer -- documents, Quicken files, email files, cookies, bookmarks, etc.

Second, uninstall everything that you don't recognize using the Add/Programs dialog box. If it looks like a Modem driver or something lihe that, leave those alone.

Third, download a small freeware utility called Reg Cleaner (not RegClean). Fire that puppy up. You can tell it to search your registry for orphans, and it also has an uninstall utility that will grab stuff that doesn't show up in the control panel. It will also show you who or what company signed it.

Don't get too crazy deleting stuff -- chances are you will see something like a Toolbar or Screensaver that's your culprit right off the bat.