COMPUTER HEADACHES

Had some very interesting adventures with my computer this week to say the least. I must say I have learned a lot, but not enough.
I have been setting up another web site for some time now to promote a small hobby I have. Was trying to figure out my PhotoImpact program so I could make a collague for some pictures, when I hit the wrong thing and moved my program files or something like that. After that things would not work and I did not know how to fix it, So I ended up formating my whole system.
" I do know how to do that"
Anyway after spending a few hours getting things back in order. I went on line to up load some much used programs, but I had to update windows first, which took another couple of hours, after which I could then install my Norton system. Then a few more online items were installed, bookmarks restored, some wallpapers set, all the while noticing this little icon on my taskbar at the bottom. It had never been there before so I wondered what it was. Ran my Norton program which fixed a few things. Then went on a search to find out what this thing was, and thought it was some kind of adware that had been added along to way. Decided I need to reinstall my adware program. Set it up and it ran it, only to find a number of things there. Said fix it and "it fixed it alright." Had to restrat my computer only to find I had to enter a the computer serial number. Never done that before either. Enter the number and nothing, tried the start up disk to see if that worked, it worked, read the helps but not being a computer genius I did not know how to even start the diagnosic program. In my books most Helps really don't help. They say open this type this and enter and things are supose to work.... but that never happens for me.
Anyway when all is said and done, over a three day span I formated my computer twice. I think it works now,all systems are running , I am here any way.
If anyone else has some interesting computer adventures it would be nice to know I am not the only one out there. "Oh yeah" buy the way, it was not to long ago I was loading some software to set up my printer and the disk shattered in the drive. Could not even get my drive to read a Cd. Had to buy another drive. Lots of fun, however I really do like computers even though there are times I would like to kick it.
Anyway that was and adventure and now I am in needed of some sleep. It would not be so bad except I am not that only one to use this computer, so I needed to get it back to running order in a short time.

bye for now got to go.