Windows Locks-Up, now cannot log-on

[t123]

1. Version of XP: SP2
2. Hardware setup: Dell, Dimension 5150
3. What exactly happened leading up to the problem:
Was encountering frequent lock-ups. Had to do a hard restart, then would work for a while, then lock up again. Lock ups are happening more frequent, sometimes in minutes. Does not matter what programs are running. Removed all unneccessary programs. There is very little installed on this computer. Its mostly used with IE. It even locks-up when just the screen saver is working. Fan is working. Does not seem hot - fan is working. Seems like a hardware issue, right? Moved computer to work to run tests while at work, but now I cannot log on -- by that I mean that when the log-on menu appears after booting, the mouse and the keyboard do not work. Tried starting in safe mode -- same outcome. Ran Dell diagnostics on everything -- shows no errors. Mouse and keyboard work while in diagnostics.

Here's another quandry. The hard drive boots up fine when substituted into an identical box of a co-worker. Also, her hard drive boots up fine in this box. It is only the one hard drive in the one box that causes the issue. Simple substitution of boxes seems like the ideal choice except I'm not sure if the problem will return and cause a loss of data if it locks up on my co-worker.

4. Exact error messages - none.
5. Any antivirus, firewall software you are running - have spybot and use it. Have AVG, and use it. Used CCLeaner from time to time.

Dell (of course) says "must be a software problem". I am thinking of reformating and doing a reinstall, but I would like to try to get in and copy files first -- any HELP would be appreciated.

[Damo79]

Had a similar problem my self. Was building to machines, got one sorted, fine when i built the second it wouldnt boot. the HD was out of a old machine but boot ok in the other one just not this one. Although i didnt not fix the problem as i had to give the machines back i think it is a software drivers conflicting with certain hardware. Have you tried installing windows over the top? It is possible to install windows over the top of a exsisting installation with out losing data. Its a bit scary at first as u create new log in names, when the desktop comes up it looks like a fresh install. However if u restart the machine just after the POST you will see it gives options of which windows partition u want to boot to. It will be one of the 2. try that and see if it boots after that.

Damo

[t123]

Thanks Damo -- this was working up until a couple of days ago, so not quite like your situation where you were building machines. I am still hoping that someone has an answer on getting past the ct-alt-del log-in problem.