things that happen - only sometimes !!!

dear friends,

I just joined this forum and posting for the first time. it is a distress call. I am a classical homeopathic practitioner in india and know little about computers. I am having some strange problems and request you to help me.

1) when I start my computer the intel motherboard screen comes up but the os does not load. I wait and wait but the os (windows xp sp2) won't load. I am forced to shut down (by pressing down the cpu button for a few seconds)...and the funny thing is that after 30 minutes or so, the os loads as if nothing is wrong with my computer !
again, this incident does not happen always but from time to time. at other times - it's all ok.

2) my cpu seems to be overheating and the intel active monitor gives warnings for high system zone 2 temperature.
my cpu is intel 2.8 ghz P4 HT. I have 2 chassis fans (front and rear) apart from the cpu fan.

3) I have an APC RS 800 ups. it communicates with the computer via a usb. from time to time (not always) I get a message that the computer is not communicating with the UPS. when this happens the device manager has a question mark for the usb slot for the ups. at other times when I do not get this message - things are all ok !
this happens on it's own and gets fixed on it's own.
(this has started happening after installing sp2)

please help me out of this mess. you may send a private email or post here. please help. is it a hardware issue or is it a software issue ? how to fix it ?

my computer salesman has tried changing the cpu fan, changed the motherboard thrice, changed the power supply etc etc . but things have not worked. there is no virus in the system (scanned by updated norton anti virus).

my computer hardware and software are all new and licenced genuine.

system info -

motherboard - intel 865 GBF for HT
CPU- intel P4 2.8ghz HT
os - windows xp home ed (with sp2)
ram - transcend 512 mb
hard disk - samsung 80gb
dvd rom drive - MSI
LG 15" L1520B LCD flatron monitor
creative desktop speakers
apc RS800 ups

norton antivirus 2003, spybot, adaware se personal, spyblaster - no virus or spyware was found.
power supply, speakers,monitor and ups are ok.

I thank you in advance for your kind help.
dr manish agarwala
calcutta, india
<vipassana_infonet@yahoo.co.in>

ps:

BIOS Version/Date Intel Corp. BF86510A.86A.0060.P16.0404121116, 4/12/2004

smbios version 2.3

(^^;?(You can make sure whether it is due to OS or not by applying other OS.)

Try any 1CD linux or any kinds and run for a while.

As to SP2, MS herself says that it has no warranty. Actually it was reported in some mobo bios was broken by SP2 beside other many troubles.

As for virus, Norton, Spybot, Adaware are now first supposed to be disabled by Trojans when executed.

In any ways, such a complex situation doesn't produce any solution. remove all peripherals, make it simple floppy boot only, no CD, NO HDD. Begin with this and observe it step by step. Changing devices at random just confuse it.

P.S. Recently it is rather healthy or natural that a few spyware is found. For simple trial, search "doubleclick" in explorer, it's spyware, though it is rather harmless but spyware.