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.

What is the best virus protection and removal software?
I have an Acer Aspire One that runs Windows XP, and I would like to know if anyone knows of a really good virus protection/removal program that protects against all of the viruses and spyware and junk. I would prefer something that I can purchase in a store instaid of off the internet. Thank You!

if i put all my files on my documents , n then install windows xp againwith xp cd to clean would the files be save on documents and settings on the user folder after i install it ?? or would they be deleted to ????

I just performed a clean install of windows xp and now i can’t change my screen resolution. I went to device manager to try to figure it out but it just shows a question mark over ‘Video Controller (VGA Compatible)’ I don’t know what the manufacturer is to try to find a driver which is what i have been seeing online is the thing to do. I tried to find out who made it with everest home but it just said unknown. Help!
sure, its desktop, gateway
alright, i got it fixed. I went to gateway, entered my serial number, got the driver for the monitor and installed. reboot, everything is good. Thanks

Hi, I’m helping a friend with his laptop. He had lots of weird stuff happening and his wife and kid both use the laptop as well. So we have a limited idea of how any problems occurred.
We want to do a reinstall of windows xp but I am concerned because there is a partition on the computer that he says wasn’t there originally. I don’t remember it and I cleaned it up for him last year.
How can I completely wipe the laptop and reinstall xp but eliminate the partition as well?