Ok, VenKat ------ When you say there is a yellow language bar on my task bar, there is a little yellow thing down there that looks like a 'shield' with an exclamation point in the center of it. I remember the Dell tech telling me some time ago to watch that cause it will tell me about some Windows updates that need attention and to look at what the instructions are. It's usually a thing that reminds me to update, cause I have it set on 'inform me but don't download my updates.' Now.. perhaps if I had it set on automatic updates, then that yellow thing would not be there, huh? And I would not have that ctfmon.exe thing in my start up, you think? Now.. in my control panel I clicked on the date and time icon and here's what I have for tabs... Date & Time, Time Zone, Internet Time. So, no, this ctfmon.exe might not have occurred when I installed Explorer 7, I was assuming that it did, cause that was the only thing NEW that I installed. I previously had Explorer 6.. It was kind of you to take an interest in this dilemma of mine, but as long as it is not spyware, then I won't worry about it. I was concerned I could be infected with something that I couldn't get rid of. Harriet ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------- Harriet,s post (clipped):- <<<< Ok. Venkat ---- I opened up my Registry - and did like you stated below - and here's what I have in there on the right......>>> OK... YOU DO NOT HAVE MS OFFICE,, YOU DO NOT HAVE THE REGISTRY ENTRY,,, YOU ARE FAIRLY CERTAIN THAT THE PROBLEM(?) STARTED AFTER YOU INSTALLED IE 7. now, as far as i know "ctfmon.exe" (IN SYSTEM32 FOLDER)...apart from being a legitimate file associated with ms office, is also associated with (1)text and character/speech&hand writing recognition (2) and with " LANGUAGE BAR " when you install IE 7. (I DO NOT HAVE IE 7) so.. when you installed IE7 did you get a "language bar" in your task bar?. this will be represented by a small YELLOW CIRCLE WITH A ? MARK IN THE CENTRE AND SOMEWHERE NEAR THE SYSTEM CLOCK. if yes, you will have to decide whether you need this feature. pl see the following MS URL (especially "how to use the language bar") http://tinyurl.com/8z7yf if you do not need it and, want ctfmon.exe packed away from your startup then the following is the procedure. start/control panel/date,time, language & regional options/regional &language options/languages/details/advanced. you should see (1)compatibility config. (2)system config item (2) should be unchecked when you access... if yes, then put a check and CLICK APPLY and exit your way out all through reboot and see if your problem still persists. there seems to be another way to PERMANENTLY remove but somewhat more complicated/tricky? NOTE: PL.PL. BACKUP EVEYTHING BEFORE GOING AHEAD..JUST IN CASE.. GOOD LUCK--Venkat The NOSPIN Group has added a new feature on our website, web based bulletinboard for questions and answers: Visit our sister website at http://nospin.com The NOSPIN Group has added a new feature on our website, web based bulletinboard for questions and answers: Visit our sister website at http://nospin.com