I'm using this Advanced system optimiser program and it messed around with the registry values which messed up some of the settings. Did a system restore but still didn't help so read the millions of entries in the ASO log file and fished out what i needed and went in and changed the values.
I'll hasten to add that i was doing this 'blind' and crossing my fingers hoping that pc wouldn't start smoking if i did something wrong!
I've sinced removed ASO and all's well.
Just to add that i've been stung by the 'ignorance bug' so will advise anyone who doesn't know much about the registry....leave it alone or get prof advice from here.
My only problem now is when pc slows right down don't know how to speed it up besides doing the usual stuff.
So once again thanks people.
P.S. my grandad who's a bit of a late bloomer with pcs thinks this forum is manna from heaven...great job guys!