i open .RUN. type 'ipconfig.exe' or 'ipconfig', select 'ok' dos box opens for two seconds then closes.
i have scanned for hijackers etc i have used three different programmes, each alone with all other programmes closed. cant find anything!!
ideas please....

You need to type in cmd and click OK.
In the now open DOS-box, you type in ipconfig /all and hit Enter.

thanks again RBS. i have done this manouver so many times, cant believe i got it wrong.
thats me in the corner with the pointy hat and a D on it..

from the RUN box you could enter

cmd /k ipconfig

and the results will be Kept on the screen :-)