Sorry BOAC but work called! The files are definately slowing everything down considerably. I've tried re-naming, tried several shredders but to no avail. When I scan the system it runs really quickly until it gets to the said files and then almost stops. I sometimes get get a "cyclic redundancy" message when I just try to delete as normal. As soon as the scanner passes the nasties it's back to the normal speeds.
Blacksheep, I am not that familiar with your answer - would I have to re-install XP and office and all the other programmes?
Many thanks