My computer runs Windows 98 and is rarely connected to the internet. Sometimes when I try to open a file (most often a Word document) the computer will stand idle and the file will not open. I have discovered that if I press CTRL+ALT+DEL and then shut down a program called ‘Msipcsv’ the computer runs normally. Also, when I go to shut my computer down, a message comes up saying that there is a ‘Socket Notification Sink’ and that something may not be responding, may be busy, waiting for response or has stopped running. I then have the option of waiting, ending the task or cancelling. Simply ending the task rectifies the problem, and my computer shuts down normally. This message only comes up if I had not previously ended the ‘Msipcsv’ program. Could you tell me how to fix the problem? I have a feeling that simply reinstalling Windows may fix it.

Reinstalling Windows would probably fix your problem, however there is no need to! From what I have read, Msipcsv is a spyware/advertising system program. This type of program is commonly attached to freeware software in order to display advertisements within the program and occasionally to send information back to the manufacturer. As you said, you are rarely connected to the internet. This could be causing Msipcsv to have problems as it is not able to connect to the internet, in order to either retrieve or send information. In order to fix this problem, try downloading the free program Ad-aware from www.lavasoft.de/aaw.html. This should remove the program from your computer.