Hi Again Dave
I found this advice on
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic434831.html================================================
You have missing/corrupted two registry keys.
Following steps involve registry editing. Please create new restore point before proceeding!!!
How to:
XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948247Vista and Seven -
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/create-a-restore-point-for-windows-vistas-system-restore/Download XP.zip file from here:
http://www.smartestcomputing.us.com/files/download/9-registry-network-keys/Unzip the file.
You'll find several files inside.
Right click on netbt.reg file, click "Merge".
Allow registry merge.
Then....
Please go to Start=>Run (alternatively use Windows key+R), type regedit and click OK.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root
Right-Click Root and select Permissions...
Under Security type while Everyone is selected put a check mark in the box under Allow next to Full Control.
Click Apply and OK.
Go back to files you download in previous step.
Double-click LEGACY_netbt.reg and confirm the prompt.
Please go back to the the Root key again while Everyone is selected remove check mark in the box under Allow next to Full Control and close the registry.
============================================
So I followed it (note that includes the action
"Right click on netbt.reg file, click "Merge".
Allow registry merge."
which we hadn't been doing.
Now FSS gives:-
===============================================
Farbar Service Scanner
Ran by Clive (administrator) on 30-12-2011 at 18:39:28
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 3 (X86)
Boot Mode: Normal
****************************************************************
Internet Services:
============
Connection Status:
==============
Localhost is accessible.
There is no connection to network.
Attempt to access Google IP returned error: Google IP is unreachable
Attempt to access Yahoo IP returend error: Yahoo IP is unreachable
=================================================
So it's not complaining about being unable to open the registry key NetBt anymore - though it still isn't connecting to the internet. However, maybe if I do my tricks with unplugging the router and cable modem it might fetch an IP address and work OK ( when my wife doesn't need the internet for her real estate transactions going on now).
Any other thoughts?
Best regards
Clive