Make sure you buy it from a place that has CCTV as they could sync up the footage with their data on the machine. That is how I had to do it once. Failing that....find that old lady!!!
If that doesn't work....
I would try using MSConfig to see what programs/files are being activated on start up and then Google them to see if they are harmless or a threat. that should flush out any nasties.
If you think it is Asbestos I would apply to the council to get it checked out before doing anything to be honest.
Try this link to apply for the detection team to come out and have a look...
I am not a fan of IE and haven't been for a long time. I have tried IE8 and found it to be just like an older Firefox.
I haven't been using firefox either as it has a little bug in it that means it slowly ticks up on the Virtual Memory and if you have it on for over an hour it slows your...