sounds wacky like files are missing from somewhere. If this was my pc, I would just reinstall windows......I mean if you have been putting up with this for 6 months, than an extra 40 minutes to format your pc, wont be missed.......  

then I would seriously consider downloading some updates from windows microsoft (hopefully you have an orginal copy of windows xp home, not a pirate) you only have sp1, you need sp2.

i would be downloading every update they have available at microsoft that is useful to you.

thats just my 2 cents and what I'd do...but you know there is probably another simple solution that would probably take under a nano second to do.......  .and Im always known for taking the long way home......

either way, I hope you get the help you need.  

I wish I can put SP2, but most of my drivers doesn't support SP2.... that's why I have SP1... and also it's original copy... and up to date... I tried to reinstall Windows, but Microsoft said "you can't activate your windows again, blah blah blah." I told them I restored, so I need to activate again and it's same computer, but they still didn't let it... so I bought another OEM SP1 CD... I don't wanna restore again, cuz I think they won't let me activate again... what an asshole...