I have an unusual problem. I just put together my new computer a few weeks ago. It's been really great on games, and I'm pretty happy with it's performance. There's just one thing that I can't seem to fix. Everytime I close out of a large program, (Like AOL, or a game) it freezes temporarily for about 30 seconds. Then it recovers.

I've tried to scan my hardrive for viruses, their were none. My PC is spyware-free, because I scanned it with Spybot and Adaware. I've degragmented it. I've done everything that I know how to do. But it hasn't been fixed yet.

My version of Windows XP has been upgraded from Windows ME, but I converted it to NTFS file system. Would my computer be more stable if I bought the "real version" Windows XP and Clean install it to the HD?

A clean install is usually more reliable than an upgrade. However, there should be no need to buy another copy of Windows in order to do that, assuming that the copy you have is an "upgrade" version.
It is quite possible to wipe the drive and reformat/reinstall from an upgrade version. The only difference to the normal installation procedure is that you will be prompted to show proof that you are eligible for the upgrade, by inserting the WinME CD for checking, during the start of the installation procedure.
I don't know if this will work with a "restore" CD, but it certainly works with an original (upgradeWin98SE) CD

ME is a contraction of merde in french...
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FJM,
You don't have the motherboard in your sig line. I assume this is the AOpen from your recent threads.

Was ME and/or XP installed onto the harddrive prior to installing into that new system? If so, all the more reason to install fresh because a carry over harddrive from another board is only going to have problems. If not, well never mind this post, just thought I'd mention it.

I don't know if this will work with a "restore" CD, but it certainly works with an original (upgradeWin98SE) CD
I can't say that it will work with all restore disks, but I did do it successfully with a restore disk for an old computer that had 98 on it. Just popped in the restore disk when XP setup asked for it and pointed it to the cd drive, no problems. I think as long as XP can find a legitimate copy of an appropriate OS on it, it will be fine.

Thanks guys, this all helps out a lot. Fruss Tray Ted I think you are correct about the motherboard thing. I already had the Windows XP Upgrade from ME on the HD when I put in the new motherboard. I think that's what the problem is.

All I have to restore the HD with is my old Gateway Disks, (because the one I upgraded was a Gateway) Do I need any of these files really considering I don't use any of the original hardware anymore? how would I go about reformatting the HD to "Clean install" XP?

You shouldn't need any of the old files, the ME drivers probably won't work with XP anyway.

If I understand this correctly, you had ME on the hard drive, replaced the motherboard with the existing OS (ME) still on it, then upgraded to XP...

If that is correct, then what we refer to as "ghost drivers" could very well be the source of the problem, or a big part of it. Any time you replace a motherboard it's best to go ahead and run a full format/reinstall. That's also one of the few cases where we will recommend a reinstall, usually that is a last resort only. If what I stated above is true, the otherboard is running on a set of drivers for ME, later upgraded to XP, the hard drive has not been formatted and a clean install done, then I would say go ahead and start fresh.

how would I go about reformatting the HD to "Clean install" XP?

Actually pretty easy. My favorite method is to use the drive manufacturer's installation software, (I use a copy of the Ultimate Boot CD, you can download the software from the manufacturer's website too). Partition and format the drive using the installation software and watch the onscreen prompts, one will warn you that if you continue you will erase all data on the drive. That is what you want to do. Use NTFS file system for better security options after XP is installed.

After the partition/format is done, reboot, with the XP installation CD in the CD ROM drive. Setup should start automatically, once it gets past the first couple of screens loading setup files it will ask you for the partition to install on. Use the option to install on the existing partition and make no changes, it should already be formatted and ready to go if you've used the installation software correctly. Using the drive manufacturer's installation software is LOTS quicker than letting XP format a large drive. 5-10 minutes versus up to an hour or more, depending on drive size.

I just used the XP upgrade CD today on a customer's machine, early in the installation process it will display a screen saying it cannot find an earlier version of Windows, put a CD in with win95, 98, ME or 2000 on it, let it check the drive then it will ask you to put the XP disc back in so it can continue. Sit back and wait...

XP will also do the partitioning and formatting, just read the onscreen prompts and you can delete existing partitions and create new ones, format the existing one etc. However you do it, just be sure you format the drive one way or another before trying to install XP, you don't want to install "over the top" and wind up with the same issues you're dealing with now all over again. As I said already, I like the drive manufacturer's installation software, it usually fits on a floppy and is very dependable, and much quicker. I did a 30GB drive today and was completely finished in under 10 minutes, boot time included. XP setup will take a half hour or more to format the same drive. If you have a working OS, it will usually also transfer all data from an old drive to a new one, including a working OS. (You don't have to worry about that option, but it might be handy future information.)

how do I start formatting my HD? It says that I cannot format it because it is, "in use" Also, do I HAVE to create partitions? because I don't really know what they are used for, or how to make them. All I know is that they are used to serparate HD space......