Similar problem in files by meilia22 on 16 July 2004, but maybe not quite the same. XP (Home) boots, usually, but not always, brings up desktop shortcuts, but hour glass spins on task bar. Usually time comes up, but most of the time nothing else. When other icons pop up, machine often hangs when clicking them. Clicking most any desktop shortcut results in hanging--machine will not respond. Sometimes cannot get past profile launch-choose one, then it hangs for 1/2 hour or more.

Tried a recovery install, got one good boot, then it hung and now cannot get past profile launch.

This all happened quickly--no warning.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Sounds like there is something trying to load in the background.

Have you;
* checked MSCONFIG for unwanted apps ?
* Scanned for spyware ?
* Scanned for viruses ?
* tried another profile ?
* scandisc and defrag ?
* Updated drivers/patchs ?

If all these are negative then, for ease, I would advise a complete rebuild of your system as you could spend hours looking for the cause and never find it.

HI,
Normally, but not always, the symptoms you describe indicates a somewhat corrupted Registry. After doing all listed in the previous answer to your question, then as said, you may have to do a complete reinstall of XP.
It doesn't happen often that the XP Registry corrupts itself, if that is really the issue, but it does happen.
I do wish you the best of luck.

Thank you both. I had scanned for spyware and viruses, etc. and did the other suggested items. I am in the process of reinstalling XP. I used MS's NTFSforWindows98 program to pull the last few files off the disk before I began. Thanks again.