Talldog9

I've used KompoZer in the past. While it's not as feature filled as something like dreamweaver it can be of assistance to you as long as you know at least some of the basics. Lightweight and more HTML oriented compared to basic source editors.

Are your Automatic Updates, Background Intelligent Transfer Service and Event Log services running? Also is your Windows Installer service set to manual? If the problem seems to be the actual installing of the updates then you can try manually starting Windows Installer before installing the updates.

I use CIS mainly for its HIPS component. However the firewall is very useful to me as well. I use it to block all but several ICMP messages.

You could add the file to the exclude list should you find out which it is.

Can you list the results of the analysis from CCleaner? Feel free to exclude what you know isn't the problem.

You may also want to use Revo Uninstaller with the option Show System Components enabled. I know HP has some crap that only shows up there (On several old HP XP pc's). You can also use it to remove any leftover files and reg entries the crapware fails to remove with it's own uninstaller (A lot). I also have had to use the Windows Installer Cleanup Utility once after all the uninstalling to remove an HP entry. It caused a dialog to appear at certain times. YMMV as I have had no experience with Vista let alone 7 version HP's.

Shock...

ARM YOURSELF AGAINST THE UNDEAD!

Try OptimizeGoogle. It is carrying on from CustomizeGoogle.

If all else fails you can keep Process Monitor running in the background and wait for a hang.

They can probe your machine assuming it's a direct connection...

I agree, a HIPS is a great way for more technical people to go.

I use FileMenu Tools, FileAlyzer, Eraser and Unlocker.

Leaping LaserDisc Batman!

I used to prefer VLC but now I use MPlayer most of the time. EDIT: I don't use MPlayer directly but use the SMPlayer frontend.

I mostly use SMPlayer exclusively now but keep others as well.

Is the Network Connections service running?

DSS!!!

Only conflict would be over which opens HTML and such as the default browser.

I believe wmp12 is by default installed in 7. I read something to that effect. At least it was for me. I expected it to just have 11. Will there ever be a WMP12 for xp and Vista or will they just update 11?

How do you like Windows 7? I've been using it for the past 2 days and love it.

I regularly use Time Sync.

Absolutely not. OS X and Linux however...

I'm about to use CIS. Partly for the firewall and mainly for the HIPS.

Foundstone HoneyBOT - "HoneyBOT is a windows based low interaction honeypot solution."