Okay I ran "Diagnostics" and it passed all the tests.  It asked if I wanted to continue running the memory tests which will take another 30 minutes & I said yes.

Thank you so much for helping.

What version of Windows are you running???

What CD's did they send???

Do you have a laptop or PC???

SInce this error is commonly caused by a failing hard drive, start with an extended scan with the Dell diagnostics - F12 at powerup.

I'm running XP Professional

They sent:

 "Reinstallation CD Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3"

"Reinstallation CD Windows Visat Home Basic 32Bit SP1"

"Reinstalling Cyberlink PowerDVD DX 8.1 Software"

and "Reinstalling Roxio Creator DE 10.2"

I have a laptop, Lattitude E5500

Have you first tried System Restore, you will lose some programs, if you installed a program after the System Restore Point, (not your files though).

See how to here.

Bllydncr

Read this thread click here, also read the links referenced in that thread

I haven't tried anything yet...  I'm computer ILLiterate...  I'll check out the link.

The link will not open up on my computer.

Knowing my problem, why would Dell not have sent the Resource with Drivers CD???  I requested it again, online this time.

OMG I have no clue what some of those words mean in that thread... :o( 

I see that you said to boot from CD-Rom device with "Drivers and Utilities" CD, but I did not receive one with my laptop.  When I contacted Dell last week I told them I didn't have one, and they sent me the same dang CD's I already have.  "Reinstallation" CDs without drivers...

I did run the Diagnostics and everything passed.  Now my battery is going dead so I guess it's okay to plug it in.  I'll keep reading.

Bell Boy, I just want you to know that you ROCK!  :emotion-11:  I've never done anything "computery" before, and your instructions were SO clear-cut!  If I were near you right now I'd give you a great BIG HUG!  :emotion-5:  Everything restored and didn't lose anything.

But OH MY GOSH, my hard drive sounds HORRIBLE!  Definately on its last leg... Now what?

Using F12 key runs same diagnostics utility

Only suggested using Resource CD to double check the particular CD-ROM device was indeed working properly

As noted in your above list, Dell didn’t provide the Resource (Drivers & Utilities) CD

You need to go to Dell Drivers & Downloads then enter your Service Tag (don’t post it here)

That will show the “as shipped” (your Latitude E5500 build spec) Drivers click here

(If it doesn’t show the Latitude E5500, then click on the “Change your Product” link)

If you ever need to do an XP Clean Install, you will first need to download, extract & burn these drivers to a blank CD & use it to reinstall computer drivers at end of an XP Clean Install

You may indeed need to do an XP Clean Install at some stage, but Dell will argue that more up to date drivers are available from their download site

Some good news then & thanks for the feedback :emotion-21::emotion-5:

Yes the Windows\System32\Config\System type errors do tend to point to a failing hard disk drive (HDD) or bad HDD/motherboard cable connections

First priority is to save/backup ALL your personal data files to some external media, e.g. a USB Flash drive, CD/DVDs, USB connected HDD etc…

Includes MS Office type documents, photos, music files, Favorites, E-mail files etc…..

Then check HDD/motherboard cable connections, if connections are OK & still under warranty then, ask Dell for a new HDD

If not you will need to purchase a suitable HDD & then do an XP Clean Install, meaning you will definitely need the drivers for your Latitude E5500

Okay will do.  Just have to get my hands on a flash drive.  My computer is still under warranty but only 50 days left...  Got to do this Quickly!

 :emotion-18:  Yes very very quickly