Ok so whats wrong? HELP

[Lonely]

A month ago or so my computer out of no where lost my User log on or whatever I was able to create another and access all the files because they were saved on the hardrive though I moved all the things like music pics and videos onto that new profile for easy access. I still can't get my original user account to work and it starts as a default one that doesn't save anything.

Soon after this my computer was not able to identify my sound device even though it never had a problem with it for the last 3 years. So from then on whenever something that auto started with sound would make my computer go to complete shit with unimaginable lag then freezeing and such AND my computer stoped reading disc.

Now the worst thing had happen like 2 days after that and my computer will get a huge amount of lag and say windows internet explorer is not responding when I try to open or switch between one folder to another in my own saved folders. It does eventually get through but I can't deal with this anymore and also I cannot access my browser quickly when I turn it on and have to wait like 15 minutes or something to get it to work. Even then it is complete shit and lags/freezes easily.

Today Firefox has started to be a complete asshole and is giving a lot of frequent loses on browsing sessions. ok so i'm going to get a new computer of course but I want to give this computer away now to a family member so she can use it to browse the internet and such.

Anyways the only thing I downloaded before this started happening was Ventrilo and setting up a connection with my modem to my xbox (only 1 port so I have to switch between) I admit I HAVE been using alt + delete during gaming sessions before this happened and sometimes pulling the plug... I run a Vista 2gb and build in intel processor (something weak) but its been good for me for 3 years so I have no idea whats been going on.

I tried to be as detailed as I can so what is wrong and is there anything I can do?

[Ejac]

In the 3+ years that you've had this PC have you ever reloaded it?

[Lonely]

In the 3+ years that you've had this PC have you ever reloaded it?

Not sure what you mean, reload what exactly and how?

[Omnipotent]

If you are giving it away to a family member, and you are getting a new one. Just reformat the computer, problem solved 100%.

[Lonely]

If you are giving it away to a family member, and you are getting a new one. Just reformat the computer, problem solved 100%.

Ok but how would I go about doing that and will it fix this stupid harddrive lag and how it can't detect my audio device/cds?

[fishstix]

It should fix that, as long as there's nothing physically wrong with the computer

[Ejac]

Ok but how would I go about doing that and will it fix this stupid harddrive lag and how it can't detect my audio device/cds?

The first thing you should do is backup all your files to another computer or external hard drive. If you don't have either, then just burn everything to discs.

The easiest way to get everything checked out if to just take it to a local computer repair shop if you don't know much about hardware. Maybe you have one nearby that offers a free diagnostics service. Meaning they can check out all your hardware and let you know if there's anything going out/already dead.

If everything checks out then look at possibly paying them to reload windows. Since you already have your files backed up then that's one less thing you'll have to pay them for! If they are charging your $150+ then you're probably getting ripped off. Most places around here charge $100 for reloads as long as it's a current version of windows. Hope this helps!!

Goodluck