XP will become more unstable as time goes by because other programs or downloads will also not offer updates or give XP any support as well, it may be time for a newer one?

It's probably the axillary cleaners causing the issue, there maybe some adware on the machine too.

Post a few log reports at help2go and we can look at it more closely

My two XP Pro systems continue to operate perfectly. I've never run any "auxiliary cleaners." Only an antivirus (Avast! free for last few years, previously AVG), and occasional scans with free Malwarebytes and/or SpyBot, which never find anything beyond cookies (which I never delete).

I went from XP to Windows 7 without a problem, and yes you can still find the program. I have no training since hubby passed away, but still manage to get by. Trial and error and I am 82 and still having fun. I have Office 7 also and can do that pretty good. I would break down and try it. I also use AVAST, and the other spyware programs recommend here

Have fun You can do it

ZIP516

Thanks, we went through a simlar process on a W8 machine.

I downloaded FRST32 for the XP machine and ended up with a folder "Prefetch" in the Windows director that contained a number of "exe" files of the form: .....exe....pf and I did not ask for the folder to be operated on.

While in the Windows flolder I fonld a long list of uninstall files of the type:
C:\WINDOWS\$968930Uinstall_KB968930$

Is that something to be left alone or is good housekeeping include removal of these files?

There's no need for any user to examine the Windows folder and/or subfolders. Assume that whatever is there is necessary.

Pretend they're not there.

Thanks for the warning, I only read list of files.

Is it strange that a software program for checking a computer for problems opens a big folder of files in Windows, all with an ".exe." I believe it is okay stuff,, it came from "Software Geeks" or something like that.

I heartily agree with Snidely, even to the point that you should hide the Protected Operating System files and leave the other hidden files 'hidden'.

If you begin tinkering around in here, you could easily make things worse.

I'm not sure what application that you are using for 'checking a computer for problems' but most of those are pure garbage in my opinion.

No, I don't have any documentation to support that, but I work in the IT industry as a helpdesk analyst and I see a lot of 'helper' applications installed that drive the end user to reach out to me for real help.

It kind of annoys me that people download unauthorized software on a company computer and then call whining because their tools that they are paid to use will no longer work. Guaranteed job security though :-)

Sorry for the outburst, it's been a long day at the office :-)

"I'm not sure what application that you are using for 'checking a computer for problems' but most of those are pure garbage in my opinion"

Hallelujah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I couldn't agree more!

Jerry, some of your past posts suggested to me that you have more than occasionally been the cause of your own problems. Stay out of the bushes, keep your head in the sunshine, and stop playing with that which you don't understand or need to understand.

Thanks, I try to be "just a user" then the machines (XP, W7, W8) grind to a grinding stop... now the XP.

Working with guidance from zip516 the W8 machine is opeating near new - albeit I have "flash" off unless I specifically want it loaded to view a video.

The XP machine now has to be turned on (yes I turn if off at night less exposure to the Internet during the others the otherside of the word is mostly awake and doing their dirty work - can a computer be breached buy just being "on", on the Internet but otherwise in a "sleep" statte?) . So I turn the XP machine on when I get up and my wife doesn't try to use Thunderbird or Firefox until the computer is on for at least 15 minutes Then there's the "script problem" on all machines, get a earning Script can not load.or similar, I usually just click skip. I'm not sure what that is used for but the computer seems to work following the "skip".

AS I think you have already suggested, snidley, GET A MAC. That may be some help, after my wife gets over learning whatever is new and needed to know that is different than PC.

I know when I run malwarebytes and somethime "house call" and a couple adware removers, the computer runs better. Maybe a commercial security package would help, we've used nothing but the free stuff (Avira now) for years... yes and MS Firewall.

I may yet try a reload of XP, but I need to find out first if MS will still provide the update package to get a reload (from a 10 year old version of XP) up to the last security patches.

The days of having an "IT Person" come by my office to tune-up my pc are long gone, I've been retired for several years.

Jerry you need a good project(s).

Here's mine for today:
Dismantle my old XP machine, 9.83 years old, unused for over a year, take it to the electronic recycling center.

Why dismantle it?

I have a Zolner (I think) super quiet fan in there - can't let that go - might need it someday. :-). Also one or two fan speed controllers -better keep em - never can tell.

Remove and destroy the HD - security.

Place the MOBO on a steel plate and use a 16# sledge to get even with it then urinate on the remains.

Sounds like me in many ways, but I have finally admitted I'm too old to use all the parts I've saved over the past 60 years, so I'd better limit myself to destruction of the HDD.

I ran malwarebytes... and other stuff and the machine may have won itself another reprieve - another month or two of life. No doubt I have to replace someday and wonder now about the benefits of paying extra for a W8 touch screen. I'm already using some "touchy" stuff on the touch pad on my one W8 machine, and I kind of like it. I don't know how much W8 has to offer if one has the touch screen... suppose all the stuff that can be done on the touch pad if one has the mind/coordination to handle all the suitabilities.

Hey, I may even go from my prepay cell POT to a used touch screen, still using my computer for the internet but getting a bigger screen to do just plain old telephony (POT).