On Thu, 08 Oct 2015 07:09:27 -0400, John H.
wrote:

Or, maybe I just need a new computer!
--

It is just about as easy to reload windoze as it is to start over with
a new computer. You get most of the benefits when it is a soft ware
problem and the hassle factor is about the same.
Usually the problem is all the crap that gets loaded and some software
will not play well; with others.

If you had an image of the machine when it was new, this is very easy
to do.

You might try going to system restore and loading the oldest check
point you have.

I just loaded a machine for my new TV with XP SP3, the 100+ updates,
the latest firefox, flash and silverlight. Everything I have tried to
play so far, works.