endless loop of restarting failure. YIKES.

Totally!...no not really.

Anyway, use the XP disc and please do an in-place upgrade of Windows XP.

See this article: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978788

Oh man, this is deep and scary. I'm having second thoughts about my ability to do it.
so, will all my data be lost when I do this reinstall?

No. Your data will stay put. All of the system files are replaced, and that is all.

Dr. Kevorkian.... paging Dr. Kevorkian....
i'm feeling like this is the oldest computer on our network - and it might just be time to put it out to pasture. This is the 3rd major problem that it's had in less than a year.
Perhaps the most daunting part is the MKB document.
I lose all my confidence when i read it.
That, and several printers are hanging off it - and several other computers with Windows 7 are looking at it. maybe it's just time.
thanks for your help. i'll be making a donation to all you kind GeekPolice.
buff

You're welcome. Good work on following my instructions.

But, if you have any more issues, just let us know.

=> LOCKED!

If you want this unlocked at a later time, PM me.