When I had Windows 98 I was advised (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/computers-beginners/help-interpret-error-message-10933.html#post34054) to do regular maintenance. Is there anything similar I should do with Vista HP? I checked the defragmenter and it says it runs itself once a week. I don't seem to have a scan disc program in accesories>system tools and I didn't find it through the search function in the start menu. Any suggestions? Thanks.

I'd say run anti-virus at least once a week. If you don't have/can't afford the program you can get one from Free Software Downloads and Software Reviews - Download.com (http://www.download.com). Just do a search for "AVG Antivirus" It's a free antivirus program that I use on my machines.

I would also recommend getting a couple different version of spyware detectors. I personally like "Spybot Search and Destroy" and "Ad-Aware" again, both free programs you can get from download.com

Thanks. Yes I have AVG Free--it's great. I thought SpyBot would be superfluous due to Windows Defender but I'll add it for redundancy.

I can't seem to install AdAware 2007 though they say it's Vista compatible. Are you using it with Vista?

Check here:
Today @ PC World Ad-Aware Comes to Vista (http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/005286.html)

That works, thanks.