problems

[cm]

I have been having several different problems with my
computer. I have tried to run disk cleanup and it won't
run. Adobe reader will not open. I have removed and re-
installed it and it still won't run. I occasionally end
up with 100% cpu usage and the task manager shows that it
is Internet Explorer that is the culprit.

My biggest issue is that I need to be able to open adobe
files. And it just isn't happening. Adobe starts to
open and the program freezes and shows 100%cpu usage. I
have to end the program to get out of it.

Is there a program that does diagnostics of the computer
and the windows operating systems? If not, can I re-
install Windows XP without loosing any of my data? If
not, is there any reason why I shouldn't copy all of my
data and reformat my hard drive and what is the best way
to do that?

I would appreciate any suggestions. I do not claim to
know much about computers. I just know that I have
become a slave to my computer and my world falls apart
when my computer is sick!!!

Thanks,
CM

 

[Nictu]

It is always better to do a fresh install. But you should
backup your files first as the data will be wiped. You
could try and reinstall xp, make sure you have the disk
that it was originally installed from. Boot from the cd
and follow the prompts. Make sure you select to reinstall
xp and Keep the file system intact, otherwise it will
format the hard drive. Good luck.