Windows Updates and Outlook Express problem

Hi, I am another newbie and am having problems. I am not sure if it is hardware or software related as the computer makes a faint noise (like a drive access noise) when this problem occurs.

The problem is intermittent and resolves itself if I leave it alone for about three minutes. However as it mainly happens when I try to click on a file in Outlook Express that has web content within it, I wonder if it is related to things like my Firewall, spyware, a virus or problems within the relevant Windows Operating System (ie IE6, or OE).

I suspected msn may be the culprit so switched it off and now have removed it (after reading threads here also did the adjustments in the Registry Editor for that).

The problem hasn't occurred since but as I only just did that and the problem is intermittent and very frustrating, I would like to check if it is something else in the meantime.

I also have not automatically download Windows Updates ever since one stuffed up my ability to play a game!!!! (Got to get your priorities right!). So not sure if the problem is that I have had a past one which caused this problem or if I am lacking an update that should be installed.

I am not sure if it is a sign that my hard drive is about to expire, which is also why I am anxious to find out what it is. However, all my other programs are operating normally.

I have done recent thorough checks with Norton and run AdAwareSE regularly and regularly delete the tracking files it finds. As far as I know, this computer has never had a virus (touch wood).

So to sum up there are two main questions.

1. What is causing this problem in Outlook Express?

2. Should I get Windows updates. If so which ones?

I have downloaded Hijackthis and run a scan (and assume I turned off everything I was meant to when I ran it?) The file is attached.

I would also be grateful if you could look at it and see if there are any processes running that could cause problems. (Sorry that makes 3 questions!)

 

It has done it again - and I noticed the ugly little msn messenger icon has reappeared in my bottom taskbar.

Perhaps if someone can explain how I can get rid of msn completely (apart from using the removing Windows Component option which I've already done!) it might help my Outlook Express problem.

 

OK Thanks for all the help folks !
I think I solved it myself. I followed advice and searched and searched these threads!
Firstly, I apologise for being confused and getting msn messenger, messenger services and windows messenger mixed up. I found a thread which described the three different things very well. (I had not realised they were different!)

I think it was Windows Messenger causing the problem not msn messenger.
Windows Messenger was the icon that kept cropping up whenever I had the whirring noise problem. I ended up following Microsoft's instructions for preventing Windows Messenger from running using group policy as described here. http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=302089
(Sorry not sure how to insert a link)

Since adjusting those settings, I can still use Outlook Express and Internet Explorer which seem to be running faster.
I would have edited my former posts, however cannot work out how to do that!