Gee... why not go buy a whole new computer that comes with XP installed? All ya need is a nod from uncle Visa.

Problem sorted. I unplugged the printer, scanner etc. Re-booted and everything was running perfectly. Re connected one at time and the scanner came up as the culprit. It is old and unwanted so that is being ditched. As for all the advice about buying a new PC and Windows XP, well this is the old PC and wanted for use somewhere else in the home. The new, all singing, all dancing PC with whistles and bells is the main PC. Thankis so much for all your help though. Much appreciated.

Well well well, a nice ending is always good to hear. BTW, my "new computer" satire was really directed at Mr. Get-Rid-of-Windows-98, not you...

Good to hear it's all working well, and thanks for letting us know how the problem was solved. It's always good to hear that, particularly when it turns out to be something unexpected or out of the ordinary, as this has.

I'll mark your question as 'solved'.

I understood that Bobchang, my humour is based on sarcasm! For the record I agree, Windows 98 has never proved a problem in the past and it turns out it didn't now either. :cheesy: