cant install updates and ......

My laptop is running very slow, I cant turn on Automatic Updates, Windows updates fail due to Active X controls? And now my Laptop continusly runs Found new Hardware wizard. It trys to install software for a printer, but theres not a printer connected to it, Found new hardware wizard also is recognizing and trying to install Volume(?) but also fails the installation process too. Can anyone help me? BTW, Im not a expert user, nor am I the brightest color in this box, so talk to me like Im 3! Thanks for your help!
christine
ps I am running windows xp sp1 on a dell inspiron 8200 laptop!

 

Welcome to MG Threesrcrowd.

I have deleted you 2 other threads. Please do not cross post...if you are not sure which forum your thread belongs in just put it in one forum and if it needs to be moved to a different forum we will do it for you.

 

Welcome to Major Geeks, and good morning.

When you are experiencing problems with your PC a good place to start is looking for some form of malware problem. READ ME FIRST BEFORE ASKING FOR SUPPORT: Basic Spyware, Trojan And Virus Removal this is an excellent tutorial on resolving malware issues.

To resolve your ActiveX issue I have attached a document with 4 solutions. Do the solutions in order, they are arranged in order of difficulty.