boot stops at windows logo

I am running xp home edition. I can boot up in safe mode. I have tried running registry cleaners. I have also ram malware software off this site. Avg is the anto virus i use and it will lock it up in safe mode even if i run it or try to remove it. If you can just tell me how to reformat c drive I will everything was backed up on my laptop.:confused

 

Greetings, BRITT54...

The simplest way to format/reinstall Windows is to boot to the Windows CD: in Setup/BIOS, make sure your boot order is set to 'CD First', boot to the CD, and follow the format/reinstall prompts...

 

Thanks. I had to totally reformat and start from scratch. I now have a fresh copy of xp professional. Do you have any suggestion for protection software to keep this from happening again?

 

Britt, without knowing exactly what happened to your machine, I would be loathe to recommend an all-inclusive 'protection software'. The usual antimalware programs should be in place, of course, and since you've had trouble with AVG, you might consider another a/v program...

As far as the machine itself, make sure you keep track of everything that you install or update. Windows is supposed to create Restore Points before major changes, but you might consider creating your own RPs as you go along...

You've got the perfect opportunity here: a fresh install of an operating system, and the experience of knowing that if something can go wrong, it will...

Good luck!