[rmlew]

You can't call the Rothschild clan to give you a new system?
Your best bet is probably to run linux, but there may be other options. What is your model number for this turn of the millennium Gateway machine? If we have this, we can look up the specs.
What programs did you use other than Firefox?
Did you back up your data?

[Zionist Conspirator]

Wow, so many questions.

I could go into the specs for this computer but it would take me forever going from this window to the pop up window to put everything down.

Right now everything is working again except for two problems: 1)iTunes (the format in which I keep my music) will no longer install, and 2)for some reason this computer now takes about five minutes after I click on "turn off computer" to power down.

My sister works with three "computer prodigies" at her place of employment, one of whom built her very own computer when she was about eight years old. Next week (be`ezrat HaShem) I will take this computer up there for them to look at. I hope to at least get the power down working again.

Right now several things are on the table: linux or lubuntu, updating Windows, or getting a new computer (the latter to be avoided if at all possible, though it may not be). Right now everything else is back to almost normal, and I'm going to try and relax for the weekend.

Thank you for the post!