CH, I haven't reinstalled the operating system at all in this computer. It's just over a year old and there haven't been too many changes. I have noticed that some programs seem to hang more since I downloaded the last back from Microsoft last week. I will admit that that was my first thought--perhaps I could just reinstall the software over the top of the existing program and fix any defective file. It's still in the back of my mind right now. I'll try a few other things first.

John, I hope I don't have to go through all of that, but thanks for the details. I am familiar with but haven't looked at Dr. Watson in ages, but the log file seems a good starting point. Next time (if) this happens I'll check and see what is happening every 10-15 seconds. I think it should leave a fairly conspicuous path.

Before sending the above request I updated and ran all of the programs you suggest, plus I updated Spyware Blaster, dumped the temporary files and defragged the hard drive. I downloaded StartUp into that computer (it's the little utility for getting pushy programs out of the starting lineup) and I unchecked a number of programs. I uninstalled a couple of programs that we put in that never get used and disconnected one that looks useful but is actually a bit of a hog (Weatherbug). I checked to see what is blocked in the Firewall, and I'll keep an eye on that for a while.

I am familiar with the HiJack (isn't it "hijack this"?) program, but haven't used it. I'll print out your post and leave it next to that computer for future reference. Thanks!

SRS