WIN XP acting strange

[Dave]

I start the computer, (a sony vaio) and all is well. After
about an hour, print jobs go into queue and then delete
without printing (NO error messages)
I am unable to launch IE (6.0)
In control panel, I cannot open system properties.

Throughout, no error messages. No hanging, or BSOD.
Drivers are up to date.
Virus def's are current (NAV) and system recently scanned.

ANY thoughts? I don't know where to start.

BTW once the system starts to act funny, I re-boot it and
all of the "problems" go away.

Any help would be appreciated.

Dave

 

[Star Fleet Admiral Q]

What do the "application" and "system" logs say under "Administrative
Tools","Event Viewer".