win xp sp2 hanging

Hi Im trying to fix my dads PC. Its a pentium 4 running win xp sp2. The problem is nothing at all happens when you try t open ANYTHING. It all works fine in safe mode. Ive run all the scans I could with avast and spybot and found nothing. I cant even install anything on it to go through the malicious software removal proccess. Even if you hit cntrl/alt/del nothing opens. About 3 months ago I did a clean reinstall on it for him and it was all working fine after that. The Hdds are virtually empty and there is only the basic programs on it. No junk at all. I have no idea what to try next apart from another clean reinstall. Anyone have any ideas?

 

Before I sit here and maybe waste your time,,If it is possible since HDDs are "virtually empty" I really would do a Clean install. Let me tell you why,,I had the same exact thing happen tome and not 1 or 2 or 3 but 4 computer techs recommended the clean install. I'm sure someone will differ but going on that ,,I would reinstall,, I would have had to PAY for the repair but the reinstall was free,,that's why I took their word!!!!

 

What was the wasting time bit? Id just like to hear your thoughts as maybe Im missing something obvious???

 

I don't mean that the wrong way,sorry ,,I just don't want to tell you something that won't work and waste your time,because I've been there. No offense intended,,trust me. The only thing that worked for me was the reinstall, like you my hands were tied because nothing opened. Again ,I'm truly sorry ,I didn't mean it the way it came out!!!!
The last thing I did before the reinstall was "Last known good configuration that work".
Which you get to buy pessing F8,,or you may try System Restore,,get there by F8,Good luck!!!!

 

no probs. no offence taken! Cheers for the advice

 

I just found the problem! He was using online armor firewall and had blocked that many things without reading that the pc couldnt do anything! Dont ya love PC illiterates!!!