xp start up problem

[etype]

My pc has just started to play up.
On starting it goes through the motions until a blue screen appears and then very quickly disappears, all I have managed to read is system file error will not boot something? Then I get a screen telling me windows could not start properly due to a recent change in hardware or software or a power cut etc. I then have options for windows to start normally or to start with the last known good system or various safe modes.
In the end it will eventually start if left to its own devices after about 5-8 minutes, once started everything is normal, I can even turn it on and off several times without problems, but left overnight it starts to play up. I am hoping someone can advise.

[Paulst30]

I'm guessing that your boot files have been corrupted in some way. If when you get to the option select screen saying

Start windows normally
last known good configuration
start in safe mode

choose start in safe mood and see if that kicks it back into life. If it does go to help and support and search for system restore and restore to a previous state, or when you knew it worked well.

However, if it still plays up i'm guessing that the whole boot file structure has been corrupted, maybe due to a virus or a poor driver, prgram instalation.

If you get it on for more than 5 mins you can insert the winXP disk (if you have one) and run a system file checker that replaces corrupt windows files from the disk.

click start>run>type cmd>then enter
now type sfc/ scannow

Windows will verify sytem files and export damged files and replace then with clean files from the XP disk. If that sorts you out use an online virus scanner from www.bitdefender.com to scan your pc.

i hope that helps

[etype]

Many thanks for a speedy & helpful reply.

[etype]

Have tried each stage as suggested, but problem still exists. The pc does eventually start up and everything runs as normal, but error message reads that "the pc has recovered from a serious problem"? Any other ideas (In hope)