Starting in Safe Mode

The Microsoft directions are here
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/boot_failsafe.mspx?mfr=true

Since that doesn't seem to be working for you, you can tell the computer to start in safe mode.

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/safeboot.htm


From run command -
Type msconfig
On boot.ini tab - select /SAFEBOOT

Restart

You may have to go back and uncheck /SAFEBOOT later. I don't know if system restore will uncheck it or not.

ok great thanks parados. Got it to go into Safe Mode ok.

Tried using System Restore to 4 different dates that indicated a System Checkpoint, and at the end each time it said that Windows was unable to restore to that point and that no changes had been made.........

not sure why it wont restore. Any ideas? thanks

First what is the problem that you wish to do a restore?

Do you have up to date virus software?

Some viruses prevent restore.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conficker

If it might be a virus that is already into the system to the point it had disable the restore function I would strongly suggest running microsoft stand alone system sweeper that boot from a cd and does not allow the hard drive os that might be under the control of malware to come up.

That is why I ask what was the problem in the first place with his system.

the system usually locks up quickly after log on with 100% CPU capacity being used. Once it settles and and is usable, it randomly crashes and I suspect may be infected with a virus.

yes I have Norton 360

Norton is a resource hog and I would bet the large amount of cpu cycles at start up is Norton.

How must memory do you had installed on your system?

In any case do a control alt delete and bring up the task manager and then go to process tab and check for what processes is using the most resources.

Go to the control panel and then the admin tools and event viewer system and look for events mark as errors in the log. With special attention to any errors in connection to the virtual memory/pagefile.

Report back pleases.

As far as a virus and malware is concern I would go to the following link and following directions created a cd boot disk of microsoft system sweeper and boot the computer with it and run a complete system scan if there is a virus or malware including root kits is will deal with it.

http://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper

Good luck.