Bruce,
Boot problem solved so far, by doing your recommendations (although, I still use the screen saver. it comes on after 25 min. of in-activity)
Pop up filter works good, but I still get one once in a while.
I can't tell where it's coming from.
All of the anti-virus and spy-ware programs come up negative.
But I can't complain.
I hope everyone had a safe New Years.