I am using Windows XP and all of a sudden, when I clicked on the shortcut to MSN Messenger one day (after starting the computer), it didn’t respond. It seems to be "working somehow" (light indicator showing something is happening and the computer is buzzing) but the Messenger window never shows up. I have uninstalled it several times, rebooted, installed again, but to no avail. I have also removed the shortcuts and created new ones. Nothing seems to work. The process is running though – msnmsgr.exe. I don’t know why the computer started behaving this way. I have an antivirus, don’t go to any suspicious sites, etc. Also, quite recently, my Firefox stopped remembering and suggesting form entried used in the past although it is set to do so. Is it possible that my Windows XP need reinstalling or so? I have had the computer for 2 years. I have a RegistryCleaner that I use from time to time (and have used it now again with no improvement) that always finds lots of errors, etc. and fixes them. (Although I suspect it is quite possible that the registry cleaner may have caused some mess too.) If you have any suggestions, I would be grateful. Thanks a lot in advance.
Adding some details:

Thanks, I have done so and all went fine. Except for the fact that it has not solved my problem, unfortunately. I have tried installing it, uninstalling it, cleaning the registry, etc. and all in vain. I have really no idea why it is doing what it is doing. All of a sudden. Any other idea? Thanks a lot in advance.

A) Clean Registry Function
B)Clean Junk Files Function
C)Clean History (Privacy) Function
D)Delete invalid Shortcuts Function

Some time ago I had a huge problems with adware, spyware, and a trojan. 3 of the programs I used for diagnostics and removal were Hijackthis, DSS (Decker Security System), and Smitfraudfix (the program not the malware). None of them are listed under the Start Menu along with an uninstall tab, nor are they populated under add/remove new software. I want to remove the whole programs not just the shortcuts so I can reclaim the memory. Can anyone help this computer moron?

Ok, I have some troubles with my computer which is Xp Professional. There are several errors that my registry cleaner had detected so far, but since its a trial version it cannot fix those issues. There are still more than 200 registry errors, many of them are these temporary file shortcuts. Is there a way to get rid of them manually without using a registry cleaner? Its hard to find them on the registry editor.
I have been using CCleaner for some time now. But it cannot detect much of the errors.

computer is as slow as a crippled turtle. think i need some kind of window’s problem fixer, spyware and adware remover. what is the best kind? is registry defender worth the money? windows defender? PC mightymax scan says i have 1667 invalad shortcuts, 5643 invalid registry paths and 11 high risk problems. (i ‘m about to panic). or is there something better? what about a freeware? what do you use and why?
need all the help i can get