I just installed a new xp on a new(second hand) computer. Put all my basic programs on (AVG, winamp, bsplayer, image\video resizer and a few other basic things) and it worked ok for the first few days but then started having problems.

First one I noticed is that I couldn't use my hotmail, would say error on page and not let me click any of my mails. Winamp wouldnt open, it would show as a process under task manager but that was it. Then when I tried to end task it won`t let me. And that goes for all programs, if something freezes which it is doing a lot I cant end task. Then last and most serious problem is that I can`t shut down. It gets stuck on the "saving settings" screen. (It sometimes shuts down ok if it has just been turned on though).

Does anyone know what`s goin on? Some kind of virus? Should I reinstall windows again?

Hello and welcome toPCHelpForum.

Lets see if we can get some information and a few things checked.

Please could you post:How to post your computer specifications.

In XP click on your start button and then open the run box.

In the run box type cmd and hit ok.

A command prompt window will open.

In Vista click on your start button/choose all programs/then choose accessories/in the list you will see command prompt.

You need to run command prompt in elivated Admin in Vista so right click on command prompt and choose run as Admin.

A command prompt window will open.

For both XP/Vista:

Copy and paste in the command prompt window chkdsk /r and hit the enter key on your keyboard.

If you get a message saying:

Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N).

Type Y, and then press enter on your keyboard then restart your computer and let chkdsk run.

Please post results of chkdsk.

Ok lets check lets see if we can rule out/in a RAM/Memory issue.

DownloadMemtest86 and follow the instructions on "How To".

Note: If you do not have a floppy drive you can use a CD/USB stick,scroll down the attached links and you will notice the diffrent downloads.

Let us rule out or rule in a heating issue.

Firstly power off your computer and remove from the power outlet.

Carefully give the internal case a good clean,especialy the fans.This may take a little time if it is very dusty in there.

Then download and run SpeedFan,could you then post me a screenshot or list the tempratures for me please.

Have you also updated drivers,chipset etc from the computer manufacturers website under support tab?

In XP click on start then open the run box.

Type in the run box cmd and hit the ok button.

Copy and paste in scf /scannow and put in the XP install disk and hit enter on your keyboard.

Let sfc /scannow run.

Please post results.

Note: sfc /scannow is sfc "space" /scannow.


In Vista click start/All Programs/Accessories/Right click on command prompt and choose run as Admin.

Copy and paste in the command prompt window sfc /scannow and hit enter on your keyboard.Let sfc /scannow now run.

Please post results.

Note: sfc /scannow is sfc "space" /scannow.

Have you updated to the latest service pack and Microsoft updates?

Jelly Bean.