My PC on boot up keep giving a message saying "your computer has just recovered from a serious error" and leaving minidump logs. Ram hungry programs are quitting as well. I have tried using system restore but it keeps telling that it can't restore from any of the restore points. I am running XP with 256 ram.

Trev:

Is there any chance you recently installed any new programs? This same thing happened to me when I installed a free download that wasn't rated for XP. As soon as I uninstalled it, the problem went away.

What you can do is reboot in safe mode and individually activate programs to see which one is the culprit.

This may not be exactly what's wrong; I'm sure one of the others will post a more detailed response.

I'm at work right now, on a WinNT, and can't quite remember the exact "F" key you need to access the boot menu - it's either F2 or F12.

If no one responds, before this evening, I'll post back with the step-by-step.

Thanks Sonnet26, I think you may be correct, I did install a program last week and have since disabled it, so far everything seems ok so your thoughts are confirming that my actions may be correct.

UPDATE. I have narrowed down my serious error message. Using run/msconfig and through process of elimation I have found the problem in Services to be DHCP client. Having found the problem what do I do next? I dont know what DHCP client is but I guess its something to do with the internet as I cannot connect when I disable it.

I hope this page will help:

DHCP Client

Do have Windows XP service pack 1? One of the items it addresses is DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).

If not, go to Start/Programs and click on the Windows Update shortcut.

Trev:

We probably need to call in the big guns (tech heads) for this one. I'm pretty good with the basics...well, even advanced basics...but, you need more than what I can help you with.

DHCP is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocl which your ISP (Internet Service Provider) may use for your connection. A number of ISPs use TCP/IP as the connection protocol, but not all.

Have you tried the troubleshooting function in the Help utility?

Click on Start > Help and Support.
Type in dhcp client and click the green arrow.
Under Full-text searches, you should find the troubleshooting function.

I clicked on it and there were a number of possible questions regarding specific problems. You might want to try that.

Meanwhile, I'm sure Dwight, TomGL2, redder, ivnj, or any of the others with more knowledge than I have, will be along shortly with detailed information.

Sorry I got your hopes up and couldn't deliver.

Looks like the Cavalry (Dwight) arrived, while I was rambling. LOL

Hello, Master!

Thanks Sonnet and Dwight. I have now got the service pack and other updates and the problem does appear to have been resolved.
Keep up the good work