Put the XP cd in the drive and go to start, run,  and type in    sfc /scannow       space between c  and  /   hit ok, let it run, takes a while..

 

 

What model Dell is it?

No, there is no confirmation, if there are any problem files, it just replaces them without notification.

You just let it run and see if this repairs any of your problems. If not, you will have to try something else.

 

Do a windows update after running the scan.

Thank you mombodog.  following your suggestion I have run sfc /scannow four times...each time the scan bar crosses the screen and then the box pops off...no report and/or a conclusion.  I am talking about the box "Please wait while Windows verifies that protected window files are intacat and in their  original versions"....so I am a bit mystified....I don't know whether the scan was completed, successful, or failed (like the applications that are closing). Can I assume that the scan was successful in verifying the windows files or not?  Please advise.  I have a Dimension 2400.  Windows XP OS.