I'm running Windows XP media center. When I start the computer up everything looks great but either nothing happens when I click on the start menu or icons or I get the hourglass that dosen't go away. Control, alternate, delete will not work either so I can't see what processes are running and stop them. I have to hold the button to shut the computer down and try again. Sometimes I have to repeat this process more that 6 times before I can start.
I also have Norton Systemworks and Anti-Virus and wonder if this could be the problem ( although I have used Norton for years and I've just starting having this problem within the last few months). When the computer won't finish loading and the Norton icon isn't in the task tray, I know the computer won't finish loading.
Any ideas I would REALLY appreciate. Thanks, Chris

You have a virus (norton anti virus ist any good

Yikes! What should I do now? What Anti-virus program do you recommend?

When did this start happening ?

Have you tried a System restore to before this point.

When was the last time you did some system mantenance and generally tidied things up?
How many processes are you running while the system is idleing, around 30-40 is OK anything more is excessive and will be causing you problems.

In my experience Norton and XP cause more problems then they solve.
You would be better off removing Norton completely and installing another anti virus system. It's best to try and avoid the All-in-one systems and go for separate Anti virus (Try AVG), Anti spyware (Try Spybot) and Firewall (Try Zonealarm ).


Please let use know anthing else you think may help.