Once we rule out faulty wiring, er, uh, ...

The same rules apply in all circumstances that have always applied. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

` Secure your computer on the network: hardware, software, smartware
` Scan and Clean. Find what's there, if anything, and get rid of it.

Best not to trust any software residing on your machine at present. Clear your paging file and turn off System Restore before scanning for viruses, worms, etc. If possible, perform scanning and cleaning in Safe Mode.

Use an online service to perform initial scans, and go from there with additional software. Especially look for root-kits. Spywareinfo dot com will have links to reliable vendors for this purpose. If they cost a little, it will be worth it.

` IF ANY bad stuff is found on your machine, uninstall and reinstall all your protection and prevention software, inlcuding firewall. Those programs may have been compromised. Best to retrieve the newest version from the original vendor and install straight-away. Uninstall, don't upgrade.

` Clean your registry at each step, especially after uninstalling and cleaning. **

` Check all running services and disable or set to manual any that pose security weaknesses. **

` Turn system restore back on when the machine is clean and ready for reinstallation of programs.

` Make sure all your p&p software is set properly and running at boot up.

` Clear your logs so you can monitor current activity more closely. What's done is done. Start from here, and forget the rest.

` Cold boot and enjoy. Rescan frequently until you're comfortable everything is holding up.

** NOTE: Get proper technical advise before tampering with Registry or Services.