Hi,

I've tried Googling it but cannot find anything for the same symptoms.

Windows XP SP2, What happens, nine times out of ten, no programs will access the internet, explorer, messenger, RDP, skype, just hang then I get the Not responding message as I try to restart the pc. Internet is connected as CA AV updates go through ok. Eventually, it will work ok after 10 or more restarts.

I've lived with it for a while now, but it's getting worse.

any ideas please?

IF you could effectively rule-out virus or malware infection, check your computers' hardware -- RAM in particular.

Use these tools to check your RAM for errors:

Windows Memory Diagnostic

Memtest86+

If the memory tests turn out OK, you probably have a severe case of registry corruption.

can you restore to an earlier date or tried "last good configuration"?

fire-up in 'safe mode' and check if the behavior remains the same or has improved.

IF you could effectively rule-out virus or malware infection, check your computers' hardware -- RAM in particular.

Use these tools to check your RAM for errors:

Windows Memory Diagnostic

Memtest86+

If the memory tests turn out OK, you probably have a severe case of registry corruption.

Many thanks for your quick response and ideas. I dont seem to have a recordable CD in the house so will have to run the tests later. I'll let you know what I find.

cheers!

try AVS registry cleaner, that should do it. I think you can test it for 30 days.

^^^ thanks guys, its finally working now after 4 hours of restarts. (been on laptop instead) I'll have to do a bit of work now and use you ideas later.

Cheers!

Well. I have a work around at least. Created a new non-admin user and if I log in this first, then switch to my normal user it works ok every time!

Anyone know why this might be?

Seems I'm incapable of creating a bootable CD for memory test, or finding a free registry fixer.

Had a problem a while back where date kept going to 2005. I tried restore to the last 'good' date, but it didnt help.