Everytime i go to use any of the adminstrative programs such 'msconfig', viewing my device manager, and even little things like trying to defrag my computer, the program will open for a brief moment and than close on it's own. This happens even in the administrator profile on XP. Is this spyware or something else closing the programs for me? Please help!!! Thanks.

This is generaly the result of a virus. If your HijackThis log in the Spyware section doesn't get you straightened out let us know here.

nobody has responded to my hijackthis log, but i've been comparing my log to some others posted here, and i'm not reallly seeing any strange lines i don't understand on my hijack log, any suggestions?

It may take a day or two for your log to get read.

I have scanned your log & there are a few issues.

You might also want to read the following:

The type of behavior you describe, which also often applies to
Taskmgr.exe and MSConfig.exe, is typical behavior of more than one
virus/worm, the three below being the most common:

W32.Klez
http://securityresponse.symantec.com...2.kle...@mm...

W32.Yaha
http://securityresponse.symantec.com...2.yah...@mm...

W32.Spybot.Worm
http://securityresponse.symantec.com...2.spybot.wo...

Because many of the newer viruses and worms, such as the
Spybot mentioned above, can disable antivirus applications whose
definitions aren't kept up-to-date, try using one or more of the free
on-line scanners to double-check your system.

Trend Micro - Free online virus Scan
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

McAfee Security - FreeScan
http://www.mcafee.com/myapps/mfs/default.asp

Symantec Security Check
http://security.symantec.com/ssc/home.asp

Also: please follow owen's Instructions in "Before posting a log".