Hi Broni,
Thanks for the link, and everything else.
I will next see the afflicted computer on Sunday and will post a progress report after that.
Cheers

No problem

Hi Broni,
A report, not that much progress alas.
I did remove 5 of the 6 items in HijackThis that you instructed, the Java one was not there, probably because I had already removed Java in Add/Remove.
I was unable to install the Java (neither the JavaRa or the later jxinstall - due to "current Internet settings???).
I did intend to connect the computer to the router with a cable to take the wireless element out of the equation, however I also attempted to uninstall and reinstall the DLink software. I was able to uninstall fine but was denied permission to install it, which left me feeling a little like I had egg on my face.
As this whole thing has been dragging on, I advised my friend that she was paying for Intenet access and not getting it, and I had exhauasted all options. She will take the computer and router to a computer repair facility next week, who will no doubt isolate the problem inside half an hour, easy with the box in front of you.
Thanks on her behalf and mine for all your efforts, I do really appreciate the time and patience you have shown me.
I will post again when I know the result of the technician's work, I am certainly curious to know what the root cause of this matter is, and I suspect you are too. His/her findings might just teach us all something new.
Cheers, and many many thanks Broni, you are an

Fair enough
Thanks for posting back.

Hi Broni
I see this thread is now marked resolved, which I guess is accurate.
The computer in question has been to a shop for repair, which has been done. However information was pretty thin.
The computer went in early last week, and the tech person found a heap of "root viruses" which I assumed meant rootkits, and they replicated every time the computer was started. Also he had not enjoyed the experience. Just to be sure, the router went there on Friday to get checked out. I asked if the person could state exactly what the problem/s were, and what they had used to locate and fix them; I asked my friend to write this down as I (and you) have put quite a bit of time into this issue.
On my next visit to my friend I was told that he (the tech guy) had used "everything" and he had written down websites to go to for fixes. When I looked at the piece of paper it said "bit torrent trackers" and listed a number of BT sites. I think this person was being a bit of a and I am more than a little peeved. I hate people who think knowledge/information is currency and withhold it. Insecure jerks.
So it is only my guess that the problem was rootkits, and as for bit torrent trackers being the source of fixes, nothing but bovine ordure.
Anyhow, thank you for your help with this issue, but it is frustrating that the person who solved the problem is unwilling to share information.

This is some total nonsense.
As far, as I'm concerned, the computer was malware free.
Whatever that tech person did, surely wasn't malware related.

Yes, I agree.
Whatever he did he seems to be determined to keep the information to himself.
I have spoken to my friend and she won't be setting up the system till Thurdsay. If there is anything to report I will make another post, but I think we are up against a moron here.
Thanks again.