[poundwise]

You could try booting into safe mode to see if you can address the problem.

From bleepingcomputer.com --

"F8 - By pressing the F8 key right when Windows starts, usually right after you hear your computer beep when you reboot it, you will be brought to a menu where you can choose to boot into safe mode. If it does not work on the first try, reboot and try again as you have to be quick when you press it. I have found that during boot up right after the computer shows you all the equipment , memory, etc installed on your computer, if you start lightly tapping the F8 key you will usually be able to get to the desired menu."


Once booted in safe mode, click Start -> Control Panel -> Power Options

Select "Always On" and set the remaining selections to "Never"

Click the Advanced tab

Uncheck both option boxes (if checked)

Select "Shut Down" for the first selection and "Do Nothing" for the second

Click the Hibernate tab

Make sure this box is unchecked

Click Apply

Click Ok


You should also run a virus scan and spyware scan, as it may be a malicious program causing the problem.

It could also be hardware failure, though based on your description this is unlikely.

It is difficult to diagnose and advise via forum messages but you can try these steps and see what happens. Note: These specific directions are for Windows XP.