Just because you have Broadband and a Firewall Does not say to a Hacker that stops them getting in to see what's going on?

They only have to find a weak spot in the Defence and they are happy
The "Weak spot" is not in the computer, but in the Router /Modem
All they need is the Passwords which they More than likely have access to and they can switch off the secondary Firewall on the Router if it Has one and B) Not all routers have them
It is Common Knowledge that Just about every Broadband User has their Router working on the Default Password logins
And there are Many sites which List all these in Public view such as www.routerpasswords.com
or www.phenoelit-us.org/dpl/dpl.html
If you had to bypass the Password (if its altered) You either have to go to the router Menu page or Manually reset the router
Both need the person to be in the room
The manual reset method will vary from make to make,and could be as simple as a reset button, or like mine a recessed hole you can push a small point through such as a Matchstick, or as I open my sticking DVD drive tray a small precision screwdriver is Ideal You'll find these in the Dollar shops as a set ,

Now when you are making this reset you must have the Router settings Page in View to input the New Password if you want to or check the default password is in view?
So naturally you look for the Router in Program files and Windows ...Am I right in saying that all you may find is unopenable scattered files .And of course the Majority of references are in the Registery
Baffling isn't it?

Here is the secret to seeing the Settings menu and it is onboard the router.
I am assuming this Router is already been in use and Not a New install ,But good luck to you if you can get it to function,without asking for the ISPs Help (they have to authorize it if you are a new customer) ...Need a code off them to make the Link...No brainer
The "difficult part" is getting to the Menu OK
It will take you all of 15 seconds Tops and looking for a Number
1) Open Internet Explorer or Google Chrome Type 192.168.0.1 in the address box this number is used by many routers as an entry Point If a Login Box appears then Proceed to the Password stage @ #2)
1a) If you get nothing or a Failed Authorisation sign then either look on the Back of the Modem or underneath for a Label
This may have Both the default Password and Login name (case sensitive) and a number 192.168.x.x (the last 2 numbers can vary) copy these down and try them to get to the Menu if the login box appears?
1b) If you cannot see the number here then Go to the www.routerpasswords.com site find and copy the details for your Router here ....HP routers vary from Model to model if you are using one of these
You will NOT get the Access Number here
Instead Do you know where your Local Area Network connection is Located? On XP it is the "Flashing Monitor" Icon by the Clock or you can get to the same via "Network Connections" on the Start Menu and clicking on the icon called "Local Area Connection 1" unless its been renamed?
Next, look to the Top and click the "Support" Tab Ok?
You can go further but the Info you require is here Simply Copy the Number that is quoted on the Default Gateway Line
and I think 101% of the time,that will open the Login box for you
#2) As I said earlier the Password is Case sensitive so it may not work if your CAPS key is On?
3) You are now on your own as the Menus are different to everyone
3a) You can check the Connection speeds,Change the Channels if you have a Wi Fi connection also may be able to alter the Wifi Protocol Setting They are all marked 802.11x the Oldest and slowest/only good for a short range, is 802.11b, then what most people have 802.11g, the top of the range is 802.11n I do know that the last one has the biggest Transmit/recieve range There are some letter Variants such as 802.11n1, its a case of reading the setup leaflet to see what it concerns . The 802.11b cards are not good Value Fit the 802.11g card instead ...Belkin are a reliable Brand Price will be be less than $25 The "b" spec card (for the very poor) if you are offered one Don't pay more than than $15 The Signal sensitivity won't be very good! Max range? Other side of the room
OH I forgot the Router Firewall is enabled By Default If Not then Question Why Not!? and B) a Firewalless Router is a Liability! Seek advice
Or buy another Router