Well, since I started this thread, I have done nothing except run the win defender, avast and other updates available. My network now works beautifully again, I don't have problems trying to access the "my documents folder" being locked and not unlockable and as my computer operates behind my ISP's protection, I am keeping my fingers crossed. I have done nothing to repair my win 7 disc yet, I can access its file system using XP and that "my documents" folder remains locked, nomatter what I try!
P.P.