Thanks for the help, Steve.

>>How would you do a fresh reinstall of Windows Explorer?
>>
>
>If a reinstall of Windows Explorer was indeed necessary, you'd pretty much need to reinstall Windows.
>
>Have you checked for a virus? Have you downloaded and run an anti-spyware program, such as AdAware?

I have Norton AV which says OK and use SpyBotSD but don't know how effective it is. What I fear most from the behavior is a back door. That is why I asked if anyone recalls being asked by MS to allow it to follow usage pattern.

>What version of Windows are you running? If it is XP, try to do a system restore...you can restore the system to a previous restore point. Don't remember exactly where it is; look under Start|Accesseries|System Tools.

The difficulty with a system restore is this problem is old, so many things have happened since.

Alex