On my other computer, Windows XP will boot but than it freezes totally.  "Control, Alt, Delete" won't work.  All I get is the hour glass when clicking on anything & nothing happens.  I can't even do a normal shut down.

I went into safe mode and performed "last known good configuration" but that didn't help.

Is there anyway that I can get my files before I throw this thing in the garbage?What do you want to throw to garbage? Maybe I'll be there to catch it
Start in Safe Mode with NETWORK support. Copy all the things you need on the other computer.
I suppossed you have the 2 computers in a network.Do you have antivirus protection? It sounds like a virus to me...

[glb]Flame[/glb]Maybe you should REPAIR your installation of Windows XP.Also, start it up before you go to bed. When you wake up next morning, it should be ready. Then try to defragment your hard drive. What is the capacity of your hard drive?How much RAM do you have? You need 128 AT LEAST to RUN it, however, 256 RAM is suggested... I have 896 myself...

[glb]Flame[/glb]unplug pc from the net>>...then on boot hold the f8 key.and scan for bugs../spyware etc..something a spy program is trying to ACCESS your pc...when its attached to the net??disable system restore and then scan...Who cares about RAM if it is the same ammount as mine. I've got a GIG! I'm planning to get 4GB!Yes you can get to the files on the hard drive by taking it out of that computer and hook it to another one that boots up and connect it as a drive just like you would any CD drive you then can search that old drive to FIND any files you may want to keep or burn to CD. You can even print out any files that are on the drive. This is handy to know if any hard disk does not boot up, you will never lose data from a non bootable hard drive. Just connect it to another computer. People who do recovery do this and CHARGE heaps for the service.