No matter which version of Windows you run, at times your PC will start to become unstable--especially if you often install and uninstall software or change hardware. System lockups or the dreaded Blue Screen of Death can spoil your day.

Diagnosing specific problems can be difficult, even with the help of Windows' built-in diagnostics or popular commercial utilities such as Symantec's Norton SystemWorks. It's important to remember, however, that accumulated installed software--not hardware--is the most common cause of Windows headaches.

If thorny Windows problems have you stymied, consider "refreshing" Windows. The more you use your PC, the greater the chance that some key Windows files have become corrupt. A fresh installation isn't guaranteed to solve all your problems, but it's an important first step.

In general the steps below work with all versions: 95, 98, 98 SE, NT, Me, 2000, and XP Home Edition and Professional.

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