Thinking of erasing HD and reinstalling XP

[Trevor]

Because:

Boot up takes 3-4 mins
In safe mode takes 7-10 mins and hangs at mup.sys
Internet Explorer regularly gives me a message that it's encountered an
error and will have to quit. On re-opening I get the same message and it
usually takes two more boots to get rid of it.
Often can't shut down the PC and have to hit the off switch
Sometimes can't boot up and have to makes 2/3 attempts

Relatively new (1 yr old 3.4 Mhz 1Gb RAM PC)

Is there any alternative? (I'll have to dedicate a whole day and 8-10 hours
for this at a guess)

 

[BigJim]

there is an alternative, you could do a repair install.
If the problems you are having is not caused by a virus or Trojan or bad
driver files this could work for you. Takes about 2 hours total.
Here's a link to tell you how.
I would backup and important data before doing.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Guest]

Trevor,

Have you tried the normal trouble shooting steps like unchecking the startup
items and scanning the system for viruses and Spywares ?

For issue with IE, do you get any error messages when you open IE ? If yes,
check Error-Reporting dialog, click "to see what data this report contains"
and identify the Module Name causing this error. In most cases, it may be the
malware DLL; in which case, reinstalling Internet Explorer may not help. To
test with: Disable third-party browser extensions in Internet Explorer using
this REG or following these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Internet Options.
3. Click the Advanced tab.
4. Under Browsing, clear the Enable third-party browser extensions
(requires restart) check box.
5. Restart Internet Explorer.

NOTE:
Try to open Internet Explorer again. If you are able to open Internet
Explorer, then, the problem was caused by a malware BHO. Disabling
third-party browser extensions is just a workaround and does not eliminate
the root of the problem. Use Toolbarcop and spot the malware BHO causing the
problem.
Download Ad-Aware from www.lavasoftusa.com and follow this:
1. Start Ad-Aware.
2. Click "Check for Updates", "Connect" and download the latest pattern
file if available. and click Finish
3. Click "Start", "Next"
4. After the scan is finished, click "Next"
5. Select all the items (checkboxes)
Right click on any object in the "Scan result" list and choose
[Select all objects]
6. Click Next and click OK to confirm removal.

This should help you with the issue you face.

Jason.