Backup and restore cannot locate my external HD yet icon is visible

Ad aware is not an anti-virus but a crappy cookies scanner. I gave you the link to install recommended MSE. Have you installed it yet?

jeez, so now i know it's no good... that's all i have ever used. well, first time for everything. i began installing MSE following you advice but when the prompt asking if i had other anti virus installed advised me to unistall them, i replied here asking about adaware. been at work so will install later. thanks!

Use MSE with WIndows Firewall, turn on Automatic Windows Updates and acccept everything offered.

Install Malwarebytes to run a monthly full scan.

CCLeaner will clean up your cookies using it's Disk and Reg Cleaner tabs.

Ad-aware is not an anti-virus program. I rarely hear of anyone using it anymore.

You should definitely install Microsoft Security Essentials and it should be checked in msconfig.

I'd also uninstall Ad-aware and replace it with something like Malwarebytes, a free download.

THANKS SO MUCH EVERYONE!

my request for assistance here has been treated in a mature fashion. at first i expected some kids to just give me a hard time, so thank you for sticking with me. i have saved some money and discovered how to take care of my pc and have it running smoothly. still a few mins on boot time but i had forgotten to unselect everything. have done this now so will see tomorrow.

thx greg. i have installed and performed a full scan with MSE. no issues. have installed malwarebytes and uninstalled ad-aware.

still a little confused on performing backups. last time using the system tool i thought it would replace the previous backup but it just makes another copy filling my ex HD. will do some reading on this when i can...

cheers!
ken

thanks mate! woke up this morning and immediate boot. not a second wait! life is good...

thanks again all. : )