It sounds like you've got a couple of possibilities going on here, V.
You -might- have a nasty bit of malware playing games in there. If you still can, run your AV and anti-spyware mojo on that puppy. I don't think
that's the deal, but you can't be too sure.
It sounds to me like Windows itself got a bit thrashed. First thing I'd check would be to bop into your Device Manager (right-click My Computer,
Properties, Device Manager) and see if there's anything reporting there with yellow or red flags, specifically in your sound (since that's a problem
you've noted).
That, and the basic tasks not working (which are all handled by Windows itself) make me suspect it was corrupted somehow. Malware -can- cause all those
symptoms, though, so be sure to check that first.
If you have the source for XP, I'd try reinstalling over the top. It's usually best to reinstall clean, but sometimes you can get away with
reinstalling right over the top of what you've got. Try repairing, first, if the install gives you the option.
I'd have to play around with it directly to be more help, I'm afraid.
--sofaspud
--"Listening to your kid is the audio equivalent of a Salvador Dali painting, Spud." --OpMegs
You -might- have a nasty bit of malware playing games in there. If you still can, run your AV and anti-spyware mojo on that puppy. I don't think
that's the deal, but you can't be too sure.
It sounds to me like Windows itself got a bit thrashed. First thing I'd check would be to bop into your Device Manager (right-click My Computer,
Properties, Device Manager) and see if there's anything reporting there with yellow or red flags, specifically in your sound (since that's a problem
you've noted).
That, and the basic tasks not working (which are all handled by Windows itself) make me suspect it was corrupted somehow. Malware -can- cause all those
symptoms, though, so be sure to check that first.
If you have the source for XP, I'd try reinstalling over the top. It's usually best to reinstall clean, but sometimes you can get away with
reinstalling right over the top of what you've got. Try repairing, first, if the install gives you the option.
I'd have to play around with it directly to be more help, I'm afraid.
--sofaspud
--"Listening to your kid is the audio equivalent of a Salvador Dali painting, Spud." --OpMegs