Use msconfig first (boot it in safe mode if necessary), it sounds like a bad
program. If that does not work then use the Windows repair consol.
I am assuming you have done a virus and adware scan?
MSCONFIG
http://netsquirrel.com/msconfig/
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/prmb_tol_dxth.asp
This explains all details of how to use the utility.
In brief what you will need to do is go to the start menu then go to the run
command box. Once there type “msconfigâ€. This will bring up the Microsoft
Configuration Utility. Once in it there are two options.
1. If you believe you know what is causing the problem go through to the
services tab. Click on the hide all Microsoft services tab. Then go through
the list and untick what you think is causing you problems. Be careful, but
do not worry. If you untick a vital services MS will automatically retick it
on restart. Next go to the startup tab. Untick everything that you think may
be causing you the problem and then apply your changes, and restart your
computer to see if you are still experiencing the problem.
2. If number one does not work or you do not know what is causing the
problem do the following. In the Microsoft Configuration Utility’s welcome
screen, click diagnostic startup. Restart the computer. Do you have the same
problem? If so then use system restore (located in the start menu’s
accessories tab) to undo the msconfig change. If it has it is now your job to
find what was causing the problem. So to the services tab. Click on the hide
all Microsoft services tab. Then go through the list and retick 5 services
(at a time i.e. between each restart) and find what you think is causing your
problems. Be careful, but do not worry. If you untick a vital services MS
will automatically retick it on restart. Next go to the startup tab. Retick 5
programs (at a time i.e. between each restart) and find what you think is
causing your problems. Then apply your changes, and restart your computer to
see if you are still experiencing the problem.
THE REPAIR CONSOLE
This method will reinstall Windows XP, and delete all drivers and windows
updates, BUT IT WILL NOT DELETE YOUR PROGRAMS OR FILES!
To use it you need to insert your Windows XP CD, and then restart your
computer. Then when the boot screen comes up, click ‘boot from cd’ and once
the XP cd has loaded, select the repair console.
Here are some websites that describe the process
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314058/EN-US/ Please not this is very detailed
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm this is quite a good
step by step guide which I recommend printing off and looking at while doing
your first repair
Do not worry. Repairs are very easy, but afterwards you will need to
reinstall drivers, and run Windows Update.
SAFE MODE
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPOR...ent&ExpandSection=4&Src=sec_doc_nam#_Section4
I hope this helps you
Cheers
Quintin
