Hi Dutchie,
Thanks for your reply.

Yes, the Microsoft XP repair bulletin was one of the first options I tried, but as explained, when either re-installing windows from the original cd rom, or selecting the repair console option, I end up with the same windows shut-down message to protect the computer. I don't get as far as the passowrd screen. If only I could !!

Unfortunately, it doesn't say protection from what. Bill Gates would make things a lot easier if he could point me in the right direction !!

I've also downloaded a couple of windows start-up files via my laptop and tried booting up with them, but I always end up with the same shut down message.

I reckon I'm with you in thinking the only way is to remove the hard drive, slave it to another computer and either fix the registry file, or save the contents to a good drive and re-format the disc to start again from scratch.

Still, as you say, there a lot of clever people out there so I'll see if anyone has had this problem before.

Ron