XP freezes and programs randomly crash without an error

[ArchShark]

I have XP pro and it has been freezing while in screensaver mostly and has froze once in MS Flight Simulator. Programs are also randomly crashing without a giving any error message(nero among several others)...

I have Memtest-86 running now and the memory seems ok so far...

The system is:
Soyo P4VDA
P4 2.4ghz
evga geForce4 MX 440

any ideas on the problem would be appreciated

 

[spool]

Is the screen saver one that you installed or one that is built into XP? Go and disable the screen saver and see if the system still freezes up when you run other programs.
If everything works fine uninstall the screen saver, it may not be compatible with XP. The Flight Simulator might not be compatible with XP, if it is an older version.
How long ago did you load these programs? You might be able to use System Restore to go back to when your system did not freeze up. You also have to remember to disable your anti-virus program before loading or uninstalling programs. After, of course, you scan those programs for viruses. Hope my suggestions help?

spool

 

[linney]

Did you check the Event Viewer for any errors? With so much happening you might be heading for a reformat and clean install, or something more expensive in the line of hardware troubleshooting. Backup what you can while you can.



Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Windows, if it has only just started happening.

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows itself by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp