Multiple XP SP2 problems

OK, so I still have SP2 because I am unable to install SP3 - I am having the PROPLUS.msi issue that others have had and am working on solving that. But, that is a problem for another thread, I am just letting you know why I am still on SP2.

Anyway, the first problem is that my internet connection would randomly stop and when I would restart my computer, I got an error that the connections tray was not responding. I searched the internet and found that it was probably a damaged or corrupt winsock.dll. One proposed solution was to download winsockxpfix, which I did. I backed up my registery and then ran the program. It claimed to have fixed the problem.

But instead of that problem, I now have three other problems. First, when I turn on my computer, I get a error message that svchost.exe has a problem and cannot "read" a certain memory location. I am given the option of terminating the program (which freezes my computer) or debugging the program, which seems to do nothing.

Next, I get a warning message from Dell that it had to block the Windows Generic Host because some other program was trying to use it in an unauthorized way. I am thinking that it is related to the svchost.exe issue, but I am not sure.

Third, my internet will work for a while and then lose the connection. When I attempt to repair the connection, it will either tell me that it cannot renew my IP address or that it cannot register the DNS. It seems to think both problems are with my network, but I know they are not because I have other computer hooked up to the same network and they have no problems. The issues are not resolved on my computer when I reboot my wireless router.

Fourth, sometimes when I try to repair my connection, it will tell me that windows is no longer managing the connection (instead the Intel program is, even though I did not choose for that to happen) and I have to start the Windows Zero Configuration to allow windows to manage the connection. I have no idea why it is switching away from windows in the first place.

Finally, I tried to restore my registry setting from the winsockxpfix program and the registery backup program says there are no registery entries to restore!

I know this is a huse list of issues, but I am at my wits end. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

 

update - the original problem reoccured - internet goes down, cannot access the network connection, connections try hangs on restart. so, even that problem wasn't fixed by winsockxpfix

 

another update

I find that if I leave the svchost.exe error box up (just move it to the bottom of the screen but don't push "OK" or "cancel" I don't lose the internet connection.

In addition, I had to restart my computer today and when it loaded, I had a message saying I could not change the Catalyst Control Settings because I am not an administrator. My account is the main account and I have all administrator privileges (it's my personal laptop!). I thought that was weird and potentially related?

I am trying to run through all the malware removal steps to make sure that it is not a malware issue.

 

I went through all of the malware removal steps and the kind people on the malware removal forum gave me a clean bill of health. So, I am returning here for help. Any assistance will be appreciated