1. In control panel/system properties/automatic updates
it says that the 'windows update service is unavailable'
2. Internet options/Security - the button to 'custom
level' is not highlighted and therefore I cannot amend
settings.
3. My norton antivirus has become corrupt and even when I
reinstall it will not run.
Am I just riddled with nightmare viruses?!
Thank you for any help you can offer!

"Zoe" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:2f38601c46d0a$2e641cf0$(E-Mail Removed)...
> 1. In control panel/system properties/automatic updates
> it says that the 'windows update service is unavailable'

it will say this if you have disabled the 'Automatic Updates Service'
the default setting is Automatic / Enabled

Many people (including me) disable this service, and get the updates
manually.
Automatic Updates Service is not suitable for dial-up ISP users.

Hope this helps,
Lilla

> 2. Internet options/Security - the button to 'custom
> level' is not highlighted and therefore I cannot amend
> settings.

> 3. My norton antivirus has become corrupt and even when I
> reinstall it will not run.

While you are sorting this out make sure you have a firewall enabled.
Windows XP Firewall (ICF) is available.

> Am I just riddled with nightmare viruses?!
> Thank you for any help you can offer!