TPA,
I understand completely.
The total Factory reset is the only way to be absolutely sure you have a valid uncorrupted system, but it means re-installing all your programs and getting all the Updates again.
Sometimes errors are introduced into the System that cannot be found or corrected without starting over.
-------------------------------------------------The Memtest CD is not dangerous, will not alter anything, and can be used on any computer.
All it does is test the memory hardware quite completely, using it's own tiny, single function, operating system.
If it should find memory errors, a replacement Memory card for your machine is cheap.
-------------------------------------------------You can do a System Restore back to earlier in the month if you wish to try that.
I can't say ahead of time how satisfactory that would be.
Here's how:
Restore XP to a Previous System Configuration- From the Start Menu, choose Help and Support
- In the Help and Support Center, under Pick a Task, click the link labeled "Undo Changes To Your Computer With System Restore"
- In the Welcome screen, click the button labeled "Restore My Computer To An Earlier Time". Click Next.
- Select the Restore point you want to use, based on the Date. Click Next.
- On the "Confirm Restore Point Selection" page, verify the settings you have chosen, and click Next.
- System Restore will perform the rollback and Restart the computer automatically.
If the results are not satisfactory, you can run System Restore again and choose "Undo My Last Restoration".
Then you could try a different System Restore point, possibly even earlier.
System Restore will leave your programs intact, but you will lose recent updates and e-mails.
askey127