• How long this has been occurring

• What was the last application or file you either installed or downloaded prior to this situation

• What hardware components were recently installed

• Whether you are using a legal copy of Windows or a downloaded copy

• What security applications you have and the results of the last scan prior to this situation

• What steps have you taken to troubleshoot the problem

My gut instinct is telling me that your Operating System may be corrupted; however, please provide us with some more information so we can better assist you.

Without any hardware information, all I can assume is your operating system is basically "broken". This problem may be cause due to a Windows error, or your hardware might be faulty.

Please add more information,
FenderGuy2112

1. Backup your data first. If you can ghost the entire drive, all the better.
2. Verify that all your critical data is backed up. (e-mail, address book, documents, etc)
3. Test your computer's hardware (hard drive, RAM, CPU, System Board, etc). There is no point in fighting with the Windows installation, if you problems are hardware related. You will simply just make things worse.
4. Remove any uneccary hardware (printer, MP3 player, etc) from the computer then turn it on
5. Attempt to boot Windows to a previous restore point
6. Attempt a repair installation of Windows
7. Verify the backup one more time, make sure you have all the necessary apps and drives, then wipe and reload

All in all, you have your work set out for you. If you are unsure of what you are doing, I suggest spending the money and paying a technician who has the tools to help you out. Just make sure they backup your data before they do anything...you don't want to need my data recovery services if they mess up or your drive crahsed in the process.

If, at any point in time, you find that you are unable to get the data off the drive and it is important to you, it is a good time to stop and talk to a data recovery professional . I can't speak for other companies, but mine will take the time to discuss your options on the phone and help you come up with a game plan. And, as with most companies, if you choose to send your hard drive in, the evaluation is free and there is a no charge if your data is not recoverable.

Best of luck to you and may you have a very happy New Year!

Luke