Restore doesn't do very much apart from restore corrupted system files.
First, try uninstalling nonessential programs.
If the problem still persists, then you know that it's almost certainly
winXp's fault.
Use the repair disk that came with it and put that in at startup.
You'll need your BIOS set to be able to boot from CD. If you don't know how,
then there's probably a manual that came with your motherboard / PC that
will explain it or on the web. I can't tell you exactly what to do because
it depends on what BIOS you have.
Anyway, as soon as the computer starts up, ensure the CD is in the drive.
The computer should ask you whether you want to boot from CD or Hard Disk.
Use CD and follow the on screen instructions to perform a repair.
If the problem is still not fixed (unlikely but possible) do the same but
choose a full reinstall instead of a repair installation. Remember to backup
everything before doing anything at all though.
Don't use system restore. Backup to somewhere other than your Hard Disk.
I hope this helps.
P.S. Before any of the more drastic measures above, you might want to try
searching the windows knowledge base with the specifics of what software and
hardware you have.
