Phil writes: <<I was just wondering if anyone can recommend a good freeware system checker, including checking the registry for invalid entries and the like. >> No registry cleaner works as well as a proper system of regular registry backups and restoration. All cleaners I've ever seen are superficial at best, and make little if any real-world difference. They look impressive, but in general their functions are rather superficial, and they won't do anything to clean up a badly-corrupted registry. The only way is to restore, which only takes a matter of a few seconds, and should be done regularly (at least in Winxx systems). If you really must use one, try Regvac. There's a time-limited demo version. See my tutorial if you need details on how to do this very important piece of computer housekeeping. Of course, nothing beats a good reformat, if you have the time and energy to do so. For giving your system a good workover, BCM Diagnostics is pretty extensive. I think it's free, not sure whether it still is. Don Free computer tutorials at: http://www.geocities.com/donaldpen/ Also Fractal Galleries, free icons, poetry, and beautiful Queensland beaches. PCSOFT maintains many useful files for download visit our download web page at: http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml