white desktop/warnhp file/exploit byte ver. virus

Just to try to answer your questions, a corrupt or missing file can cause all kinds of problems. All valid installations of Windows should come with a CD in the event a reinstallation is necessary. I would be talking to whoever sold you this laptop if I were you. See this information: http://www.updatexp.com/scannow-sfc.html My only suggestion would be to borrow a copy from a friend, make sure it is the same version you are running.

Are you able to determine if there are missing files with this log? otherwise, let me know how to find that out without my XP disc.

I know of no other way to do this, which is the reason for the CD and the SFC Utility.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1 Scan saved at 8:53:01 AM, on 3/15/2006

Old McAfee line, you can remove with HJT if you want.
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {ACB1E670-3217-45C4-A021-6B829A8A27CB} - (no file)

I see nothing in the HJT log besides that one line of clutter. I will say if you do not own ewido, this information would apply.
ewido is a great program but it does use some resources. Once the trial is over you can update and use the scanner for as long as you wish, but unless you purchase it you should turn it off completely so it does not run unless you start it manually.

Here are some ideas that may or may not help: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/IE/commun…s/IEtopten.mspx
http://vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/runbetter.htm
http://www.linkgrinder.com/tutorials/10_Ea…rs_article.html

Thanks…pskelley